Red Peacock Cichlid

• Good for small-large aquariums.
• Easy to keep Active fish.
• Current size = 4-6cm
• Adult size = can grow up to 10-15cm in length.
• Omnivore, feed regular tropical foods.
• Recommended temperature range: 24-30C

• Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa (Aquarium strains bred for vibrant red coloration).
• Size: 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) as adults.
• Lifespan: 5–8 years with proper care.

Appearance:

• Body Color: Vibrant red body with occasional iridescent highlights.
• Fins: Often edged with blue or white, enhancing their striking appearance.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are more colorful and larger; females are duller in color, often gray or tan.

Behavior:

• Temperament: Generally peaceful for a cichlid, but males may become territorial during breeding.
• Activity: Active and engaging swimmers, often exploring the middle and bottom areas of the tank.
• Social Nature: Best kept with other peaceful cichlids or compatible fish.

Aquarium Requirements:

• Tank Size: Minimum 200 liters (50 gallons) for a group.
• Water Conditions:
  • Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
  • pH: 7.5–8.5 (alkaline)
  • Hardness: 10–20 dGH
• Aquascape:
  • Rocky caves for hiding and establishing territories.
  • Open swimming areas.
  • Sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat.
• Filtration: Strong filtration to maintain pristine water quality.

Diet:

• Type: Carnivorous with some omnivorous tendencies.
• Recommended Foods:
  • High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.
  • Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
  • Avoid excessive protein-rich foods to prevent bloat.

Breeding:

• Ease: Moderate, with some experience required.
• Mating Behavior: Mouthbrooders—females carry eggs and fry in their mouths for protection.
• Setup:
  • Provide flat rocks or a breeding slate for spawning.
  • Keep a ratio of 1 male to 3–4 females to reduce aggression.
• Fry Care: Feed newly hatched fry with crushed flake food or baby brine shrimp.

Tankmates:

• Ideal tankmates include other peaceful African cichlids like other Peacocks, Haps, or Synodontis catfish. Avoid aggressive Mbuna species or very small fish that might be mistaken as food.

Care Level:

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, suitable for hobbyists with some experience keeping cichlids.

The Red Peacock Cichlid’s stunning colors and relatively peaceful nature make it a popular choice for African cichlid enthusiasts and community tanks with suitable water parameters.

If you have any questions or problems feel free to contact us!