The Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara) is a beautiful freshwater fish from Lake Malawi, Africa. With its bright colors, calm nature, and easy care, it is one of the most loved African cichlids among fish keepers around the world. Belonging to a genus of over 22 natural species, these fish grow 4 to 6 inches in size and can live 6 to 10 years with proper care.

Peacock Cichlids are natural bottom dwellers that sift through sandy substrate hunting for food a fascinating behavior to watch in a home aquarium. They thrive in alkaline water with a pH of 7.8 to 8.6 and a temperature between 76 and 82°F, in a tank of at least 55 gallons. For diet, they do best on quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms, and spirulina-based foods to keep their colors vivid and bright.

Males display stunning metallic shades of blue, red, orange, and yellow, making them a true centerpiece in any aquarium. If you are just getting started, read our complete Peacock Cichlid Fish Guide for Beginners . Want to explore every known variety? Check our full list of 200 Peacock Cichlids with species, names, and color variants .