Assorted Peacock Cichlids, scientifically known as Aulonocara species, offer a mesmerizing assortment of colorful and majestic fish that bring beauty and elegance to any aquarium. With their dazzling colorations and graceful swimming behavior, Assorted Peacock Cichlids are a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts, especially those who keep African cichlids. Let's explore a detailed description of these remarkable fish, including essential information on their appearance, water conditions, tank setup, feeding habits, and care.

Appearance:

• Vibrant Colors: Assorted Peacock Cichlids come in a variety of dazzling colors, including shades of blue, yellow, orange, red, and purple, making them truly eye-catching.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males typically display more intense colors and have longer, pointed dorsal and anal fins, while females exhibit more subdued hues.
• Graceful Shape: They have a streamlined and elegant body shape, which allows them to glide through the water with grace.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: Maintain a tropical water temperature range of 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) for the well-being of Assorted Peacock Cichlids.
• pH Level: Aim for a slightly alkaline to neutral pH level between 7.6 and 8.4 to replicate their natural habitat.
• Water Hardness: Provide a moderate to hard water hardness level between 10 and 20 dGH.
• Filtration: Efficient filtration and regular water changes are crucial to maintain excellent water quality.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: Assorted Peacock Cichlids require a spacious aquarium of at least 50 gallons (189 liters) to accommodate their size and swimming needs.
• Rockwork and Caves: Create a rocky aquascape with plenty of hiding spots, caves, and crevices to mimic their natural rocky habitats in Lake Malawi.
• Sand Substrate: Use fine sand as the substrate, as these cichlids like to sift through it while foraging for food.

Feeding Habit:

• Omnivorous Diet: Assorted Peacock Cichlids are omnivores and accept a variety of foods.
• High-Quality Pellets and Flakes: Offer a balanced diet of high-quality pellets or flakes specifically formulated for cichlids.
• Supplementary Foods: Supplement their diet with occasional treats such as live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, or bloodworms.

Care:

• Tank Mates: Choose other African cichlids from Lake Malawi or other peaceful, non-aggressive fish species that share similar water requirements.
• Observation: Keep an eye on their behavior and appearance to ensure they are healthy and showing no signs of aggression or stress.