The Aulonocara stuartgranti “Ngara”, often referred to as the Ngara Flametail Peacock Cichlid, is a strikingly vibrant cichlid from Lake Malawi. This semi-aggressive species is popular among aquarists due to its electric coloration, fascinating behavior, and relative ease of care for those experienced with African cichlids.

Quick Facts

• Common Name: Ngara Flametail Peacock Cichlid
• Scientific Name: Aulonocara stuartgranti “Ngara”
• Natural Range: Lake Malawi, Africa
• Max Size: 6–7 inches (15–18 cm)
• Lifespan: 6–8 years
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, particularly males during breeding
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters)

Natural Habitat

• Habitat Zones: Intermediate zones of Lake Malawi, where rocky areas transition into sandy substrates.
• Preferred Depths: Generally shallow water, often foraging along sandy areas near rocks.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons for one male and a few females. Larger tanks are recommended for additional fish or community setups.
• Substrate: Fine sand to replicate natural feeding behavior and prevent ingestion of coarse particles.
• Aquascape:
  • Rock piles to create territories and hiding spots.
  • Open swimming spaces for active movement.
  • Hardy plants like Vallisneria or Anubias can be added if desired.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 78–82°F (25.5–28°C)
  • pH: 7.5–8.5
  • Hardness: Medium to hard water, consistent with Lake Malawi conditions.
• Filtration & Maintenance:
  • Use high-quality canister or hang-on-back filters to ensure water clarity.
  • Perform weekly water changes of 25–50% to maintain optimal water quality and stability.

Diet and Feeding

• Natural Feeding Behavior: Primarily benthophagous; sifts through sand to find invertebrates and organic debris.
• Captive Diet:
  • High-quality prepared foods: spirulina-based flakes, cichlid pellets, or granules.
  • Supplement with frozen or live foods like Artemia (brine shrimp), bloodworms, or daphnia.
  • Avoid feeding excessive protein-rich diets like mammalian meat to prevent health issues.
• Feeding Schedule: Feed 2–3 smaller meals per day to mimic grazing behavior and prevent overfeeding.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament: Males are territorial, especially during breeding, but less aggressive than many other cichlid species.
• Tank Mates:
  • Suitable: Other peaceful to moderately aggressive cichlids like Copadichromis, Placidochromis, or Otopharynx.
  • Avoid: Overly aggressive Mbuna or other Aulonocara species to prevent hybridization.
• Male-to-Female Ratio: Best kept in a harem of 1 male to 2–3 females to reduce stress on individual females.

Breeding

• Reproductive Behavior: Maternal mouthbrooder.
• Breeding Setup:
  • Include flat rocks or sandy areas as spawning sites.
  • Keep a ratio of 1 male to 2–3 (or more) females to increase breeding success and reduce male aggression.
• Spawning Process:
  • Females lay eggs on a flat surface and quickly scoop them into their mouths.
  • Males display egg spots on their anal fins, and females attempt to pick them up, receiving sperm in the process to fertilize the eggs.
  • Females brood eggs in their mouths for 3–4 weeks, during which they do not eat.
• Fry Care:
  • Release free-swimming fry after 3–4 weeks.
  • Feed newly hatched fry with Artemia nauplii or finely crushed flake food.

Special Considerations

1. Avoid Hybridization: Do not house with other Aulonocara species to preserve strain purity.
2. Water Quality Sensitivity: Pristine water conditions are essential to prevent stress and disease.
3. Aggression Management: Provide ample space and hiding spots to mitigate male aggression during breeding.

The Aulonocara stuartgranti “Ngara” is a captivating addition to African cichlid tanks, blending beauty with fascinating behaviors for those who can maintain its specific care requirements.