Description

The Aulonocara rubescens, commonly known as the Ruby Red Peacock, is a stunning African cichlid from Lake Malawi. Renowned for its vivid red and orange coloration, this peaceful species is a favorite among cichlid enthusiasts. Its manageable size, striking appearance, and relatively calm temperament make it an excellent choice for intermediate to experienced aquarists.

Quick Facts

• Scientific Name: Aulonocara rubescens
• Common Name: Ruby Red Peacock
• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
• Size: 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)
• Diet: Omnivorous
• Temperament: Peaceful with own species; aggressive towards smaller or similarly colored fish
• Lifespan: 5–8 years
• Tank Position: Middle levels

Tank Requirements

• Minimum Tank Size: 200 liters (~50 gallons) for a small colony.
• Water Parameters:
  • pH: 7.5–8.5
  • Hardness: 16–24°N (285.71–428.57 ppm)
  • Temperature: 24–26°C (75.2–78.8°F)
• Filtration: Efficient filtration is critical to maintain pristine water conditions.
• Substrate: Fine sand, as they enjoy foraging and sifting through it.
• Décor:
  • Rocks and caves to create territories and hiding spots.
  • Open swimming areas in the mid and lower tank regions.
• Water Flow: Prefer moderate water flow; avoid overly strong currents.

Diet

• Natural Feeding Behavior: In the wild, these fish are omnivorous, foraging for small invertebrates and organic matter.
• In Captivity:
  • High-quality cichlid flakes or pellets enriched with vitamins and minerals.
  • Protein-rich foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms, krill, and mysis shrimp.
  • Occasional vegetable-based foods or spirulina flakes for balance.
  • Feeding Schedule: Small portions 2–3 times daily. Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.
• Avoid: Fatty mammalian proteins (e.g., beef heart) due to potential digestive issues.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • Peaceful within their own species, especially when kept in proper male-to-female ratios.
  • Can exhibit aggression towards smaller or similarly colored fish.
• Tankmates:
  • Other peaceful Malawi cichlids of similar size (Placidochromis electra, Cynotilapia afra).
  • Avoid aggressive or overly boisterous species.
  • Provide visual barriers to minimize aggression and establish territories.
• Social Structure: Best kept with one male and several females to reduce aggression.

Breeding

• Reproductive Method: Maternal mouthbrooder.
• Breeding Setup:
  • Include flat rocks or sandy areas for spawning.
  • Keep one dominant male with 2–3 females.
  • After spawning, the female incubates the eggs in her mouth for 18–21 days.
  • The male does not participate in rearing the fry.
• Raising Fry:
  • Feed fry newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes.
  • Use a separate grow-out tank to protect fry from predation.

Appearance

• Males:
  • Vibrant red to orange body coloration, often highlighted with metallic blue or white accents.
  • This striking coloration becomes more pronounced during breeding or territorial displays.
• Females:
  • Subdued gray to brown coloration.

Care Tips

1. Water Quality: Maintain stable water parameters and perform weekly water changes of 25–50%.
2. Tank Size: Provide ample space to minimize territorial disputes and stress.
3. Diet: Offer a varied diet for vibrant coloration and overall health.
4. Hybridization: Avoid mixing with other Aulonocara species to preserve genetic purity.

Conclusion

The Ruby Red Peacock is a visually stunning and peaceful addition to any African cichlid aquarium. With proper care, a stable environment, and a balanced diet, this species will thrive and bring vibrant color and activity to your tank. Its calm demeanor and manageable size make it a rewarding fish for aquarists who appreciate the beauty of Lake Malawi cichlids.