Sunshine Peacock (Male) Care Guide

The Sunshine Peacock (Aulonocara baenschi) is a stunning freshwater fish from Lake Malawi, Africa. Known for its bright yellow body and contrasting blue face, males are especially colorful and make an excellent showpiece in African cichlid aquariums.

✅ Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for a single male with females. Larger tanks (75+ gallons) recommended if keeping multiple cichlids.

• Aquascape: Use sand substrate with plenty of rocks and caves to mimic their natural Lake Malawi environment. Provide open swimming space as well.

• Tankmates: Best with other Peacocks (Aulonocara) and Haps. Avoid overly aggressive Mbuna cichlids.

️ Water Parameters

Sunshine Peacocks thrive in conditions that replicate Lake Malawi:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline)

• Hardness: 8–20 dGH

• Water Quality: Clean, stable water is crucial – perform 25–30% weekly water changes.

️ Diet & Feeding

Peacocks are carnivorous with a preference for meaty foods.

• Staple Foods: High-quality cichlid pellets designed for carnivores.

• Supplemental Foods: Frozen or live brine shrimp, krill, mysis shrimp, and daphnia.

• Avoid: Too much protein from mammal/terrestrial meats (like beef heart).

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small portions.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive. Males can be territorial, especially around spawning caves.

• Best Kept: In a male with a harem of 3–4 females to spread out aggression.

• Community Options: Works well with other Peacocks and Haplochromis of similar size and temperament.

Breeding

• Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.

• Process: The female lays eggs and picks them up in her mouth, where she incubates them for ~3 weeks before releasing fry.

• Setup: Provide flat rocks for spawning and plenty of hiding spaces for fry.

❤️ General Care Tips

• Do not overcrowd; this helps reduce aggression.

• Provide strong filtration and high oxygen levels.

• A varied diet enhances their brilliant colors.

• Males are the most colorful, while females remain silver-gray.

Summary

The Sunshine Peacock Cichlid (Male) is a vibrant, hardy African cichlid perfect for hobbyists wanting a bright show fish with moderate care needs. With clean water, a proper diet, and the right tankmates, this species will thrive and display its stunning golden-yellow and blue coloration for years.