The Aulonocara stuartgranti “Ngara/Mdoka”, also known as the Ngara Flametail or Mdoka Peacock, is a stunning peacock cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Known for its vibrant coloration and relatively peaceful demeanor, it is a popular choice for hobbyists who enjoy the beauty of African cichlids without overly aggressive behavior.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Aulonocara stuartgranti “Ngara/Mdoka”
• Common Names: Ngara Flametail, Mdoka Peacock
• Natural Habitat: Northeastern Lake Malawi (Mdoka, near Ngara)
• Maximum Size: 4–5 inches (10–12 cm)
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-aggressive
• Minimum Tank Size: 36 inches (90 cm) species tank or larger community tank

Appearance

• Males:
  • Exhibit vibrant metallic blue body coloration with a white-edged dorsal fin.
  • Yellow “squiggle” patterns on the caudal fin.
  • Depending on mood, dark vertical bars may appear.
  • Pelvic fins can display a yellowish hue with a striking white edge.
• Females:
  • More subdued in appearance with beige to grayish coloration and faint vertical bars.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size:
  • Minimum 36 inches (90 cm) for a species-only tank.
  • A larger community tank is recommended when keeping groups with other peaceful Malawian haps.
• Substrate & Décor:
  • Sandy substrate to mimic their natural lakebed.
  • Include rock formations for shelter and territories.
  • Leave open swimming spaces for their active nature.
• Water Parameters:
  • pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline)
  • Hardness: Hard water preferred.
  • Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
• Filtration:
  • Maintain excellent water quality with efficient filtration.
  • Perform regular water changes (25–50% weekly) to avoid poor water conditions.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • Generally peaceful but can become territorial, especially males during breeding.
  • Suitable for community tanks with similarly tempered cichlids.
• Tankmates:
  • Pair with peaceful to moderately aggressive Malawian haps or placid mbuna (e.g., Labidochromis caeruleus or Pseudotropheus demasoni).
  • Avoid keeping with overly aggressive species or other Aulonocara varieties to prevent interbreeding.
• Social Structure:
  • Best kept with a single dominant male and multiple females (1 male: 3–5 females).

Diet

• Natural Feeding: In the wild, they sift through the substrate for small invertebrates and other organic matter.
• Captive Diet:
  • High-quality cichlid flakes or pellets.
  • Supplement with frozen or live foods, such as brine shrimp, cyclops, or daphnia.
  • Occasional vegetable matter like spirulina-based flakes for balance.
• Feeding Schedule: 2–3 small feedings daily to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Breeding

• Reproductive Behavior:
  • Maternal mouthbrooder: females incubate eggs and fry in their mouths for 2–3 weeks.
  • Spawning occurs on flat rocks or sandy areas.
• Tips for Breeding:
  • Provide a ratio of one male to multiple females to reduce stress on individual females.
  • A separate breeding tank can increase fry survival rates.
• Raising Fry:
  • Once released, fry can be fed finely crushed flakes, Artemia nauplii, or frozen cyclops.

Special Notes

• Interbreeding Risk: Avoid mixing with other Aulonocara species to preserve pure genetic lines.
• Stress Indicators: Faded colors or hiding behavior can indicate stress due to poor water quality or aggressive tankmates.

Conclusion

The Aulonocara stuartgranti “Ngara/Mdoka” is a magnificent addition to any aquarium, bringing vibrant coloration and engaging behavior. With proper care, a spacious tank, and compatible tankmates, this peacock cichlid will thrive and become a stunning focal point in your aquatic community.