Peacock Cichlid Fish: The Lake Malawi Living Colors.

Go into a room where there is a properly maintained aquarium of Peacock Cichlid Fish and you cannot help but take a look. Long strokes of bright blues, golds and reds slide through the water, like they have been painted by light. The fish appear to have a character, inquisitive and reserved. That is the way of the magic of Peacock Cichlids they bring life to an aquarium, rather than decorate it.

What is So Special about Peacock Cichlid Fish.

Peacock Cichlids are classified in genus Aulonocara which are freshwater fish discovered in the Lake Malawi, East Africa. It is a very diverse lake on earth, which harbours more than 700 cichlid species. The temper of the Peacocks and their color is the only difference between them and the others.

Peacocks are usually peaceful unlike violent Mbuna cichlids. They like open sandy spots as opposed to rocky hiding spots hence they are good with mixed community tanks. Their scales gleam in the light furnishing a exhibit of color equal to that of any saltwater fish--although with much easier management.

Their name is not accidental as well. Similar to the bird, male Peacocks use flashy colors to attract the females whereas females are always subdued to ensure protection. The art of nature is its most harmonious.

Natural Environment and Behavior

The water in Lake Malawi is mineral rich, clear and alkaline. The temperatures remain between 76 and 82 deg F and the bottom of the lake is mainly sandy. The behavior of the Peacock Cichlid was formed by this environment: fish dig sand with their mouths to extract small invertebrates, which they are doing in aquariums.

Males are also territorial and hardly ever violent when it comes to breeding. They scratch shallow pits on the sand to court the females. When the female lays eggs she puts them in her mouth, a process known as mouthbrooding. The eggs are incubated by her over a period of three weeks before the fry is ready to swim. It is one of the most satisfying things that an aquarist can watch.

Rearing of Peacock Cichlid Fish.

Their health is not hard to keep when you can imitate their natural habitat. They are tough varieties of fish that are dependent on stable water chemistry.

Tank Setup Checklist:

Tank Size: Small group: minimum 55 gallons.

Temperature: 76-82degF (24-28degC)

pH: 7.8-8.6 (alkaline) 

Substrate: Smooth gravel or fines sand.

Decoration: Caves, stones and open swimming pools.

Lighting: moderate to bright to increase color.

Avoid overcrowding. One male to three or four females would maintain peace in a ratio. Clean water: This is needed; partial water changes one time per week are necessary to maintain low nitrate and avoid color fading.

How to Feed Peacock Cichlid Fish.

Peacocks in the wild feed on small crustaceans, insect larvae and planktons. They are able to grow well in captivity, feeding on a diverse food supply of cichlid pellets, flakes, and frozen or live foodstuffs, including brine shrimp or bloodworms. Use spirulina or foods made of algae to make it colorful and easier to digest. Watch against overfeeding - it is the second most frequent error an aquarist makes. Excessive food causes bloating, water pollution and stress. One rule: give small portions twice a day and take away the food which has not been eaten after several minutes.

The reasons why they are ideal at home aquariums.

Peacock Cichlid Fish create the right mix of the simple and the beautiful. They are simple enough to be easy to learn and complex enough to be interesting to the experts. Their routine nature of care makes them easy to forgive learners and at the same time rewarding serious aquarists who value colour, behaviour as well as social interaction.

The tank of Peacock Cichlid is a living being in good condition and full of activity, color, and peaceful energy. It is a slice of the Lake Malawi in your living room.

Conclusion

The living example of how beauty and balance may exist is the Peacock Cichlid Fish. These fresh water fish add colour, intelligence and beauty to any aquarium when well taken care of. Their calm and beautiful design make them one of the most fulfilling species to keep.

To get the in depth care guides, tank set articles and the expert view on keeping healthy and vibrant cichlids, go to peacockcichlidzone.com - your one and only place when it comes to information about African cichlids and keeping aquarium fish at home.