200 Peacock Cichlids List: Species, Types, Names, and Color Variants

Peacock cichlids are among the most colorful freshwater fish in the aquarium world. Known for their shimmering blues, fiery reds, metallic yellows, and electric greens, these African cichlids have become a favorite among hobbyists seeking beauty without extreme aggression.

This guide provides a complete list of 200 peacock cichlids, including natural species, regional variants, and man-made color strains, along with scientific names, identification tips, and care insights.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, this article will help you understand all peacock cichlid species and varieties with clarity and confidence.

What Are Peacock Cichlids?

Peacock cichlids are freshwater African cichlids belonging primarily to the genus Aulonocara. They are native to Lake Malawi and are famous for their vibrant coloration and relatively peaceful temperament.

Unlike aggressive Mbuna cichlids, peacock cichlids are open-water and sand-dwelling fish. They rely on sensory pits on their heads to detect small invertebrates beneath the sand, which is why they are sometimes called “sand sifting cichlids.”

• Peacock cichlid scientific name: Aulonocara
• Peacock cichlid Latin name: Aulonocara spp.

Why Are Peacock Cichlids So Popular in Aquariums?

Peacock cichlids combine intense color with manageable behavior.
They are one of the best African cichlids for community-style Malawi tanks.

Key reasons aquarists love peacock cichlids:

• Stunning natural and hybrid color varieties
• Less aggressive than the Mbuna species
• Active but not destructive
• Compatible with other non-Mbuna African cichlids
• Strong breeding and display behavior in males

How Many Peacock Cichlid Species Exist?

There are approximately 22 recognized natural peacock cichlid species, with 40-60+ regional variants and 100+ man-made hybrids and color strains commonly seen in the aquarium trade.

This is why many hobbyists search for:

• All peacock cichlid species
• Peacock cichlid types
• List of African peacock cichlids

Let’s have a look in detail at the 200 peacock cichlids list with types and names.

Complete Classification: List of Peacock Cichlids

1. Natural (True) Peacock Cichlid Species

Natural peacock cichlids are species that exist in the wild, without human intervention. These fish have stable genetics and predictable behavior.

Below is a list of natural peacock cichlids with scientific names.

No.	Scientific Name	Common Name
01	Aulonocara aquilonium	Northern Aulonocara
02	Aulonocara auditor	Auditor Peacock
03	Aulonocara baenschi	Benga / Sunshine Peacock
04	Aulonocara brevinidus	Short-nosed Peacock
05	Aulonocara ethelwynnae	Ethelwynne’s Peacock
06	Aulonocara gertrudae	Gertrude’s Peacock
07	Aulonocara guentheri	Günther’s Peacock
08	Aulonocara hansbaenschi	Red Shoulder Peacock
09	Aulonocara hueseri	Hueser’s Peacock
10	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi	Jake / Eureka Peacock
11	Aulonocara kandeense	Blue Regal Peacock
12	Aulonocara korneliae	Blue-Gold Peacock
13	Aulonocara koningsi	Konings’ Peacock
14	Aulonocara maylandi	Sulphur Head Peacock
15	Aulonocara nyassae	Emperor Peacock
16	Aulonocara rostratum	Long-nosed Peacock
17	Aulonocara saulosi	Saulosi Peacock
18	Aulonocara steveni	Steven’s Peacock
19	Aulonocara stonemani	Stoneman’s Peacock
20	Aulonocara stuartgranti	Flavescent Peacock
21	Aulonocara trematocephalum	Thickhead Peacock
22	Aulonocara walteri	Walter’s Peacock

2. Natural Local Variants / Regional Forms

Local variants are geographic color forms of true species. They occur naturally due to isolation in different parts of Lake Malawi.

These are often named after:

• Reef systems
• Islands
• Collection points

List of Natural Local Variants of Peacock Chichlid Fish

No.	Variant Name	Derived From Species
01	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Ngara”	Flavescent Peacock
02	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Usisya”	Flavescent Peacock
03	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Chilumba”	Flavescent Peacock
04	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Mdoka”	Flavescent Peacock
05	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Maulana”	Flavescent Peacock
06	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Chipoka”	Flavescent Peacock
07	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Cobue”	Flavescent Peacock
08	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Nkata Bay”	Flavescent Peacock
09	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Usisya Deep”	Flavescent Peacock
10	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Chitimba Bay”	Flavescent Peacock
11	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Lions Cove”	Flavescent Peacock
12	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi “Otter Point”	Jacobfreiberg’s Peacock
13	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi “Cape Maclear”	Jacobfreiberg’s Peacock
14	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi “Hongi Island”	Jacobfreiberg’s Peacock
15	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi “Eureka”	Jacobfreiberg’s Peacock
16	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi “Mamelela”	Jacobfreiberg’s Peacock
17	Aulonocara hansbaenschi “Red Flush”	Red Shoulder Peacock
18	Aulonocara hansbaenschi “Chimwalani Reef”	Red Shoulder Peacock
19	Aulonocara maylandi “Chitande”	Sulphur Head Peacock
20	Aulonocara maylandi “Cobue”	Sulphur Head Peacock
21	Aulonocara korneliae “Mbenji Island”	Blue Gold Peacock
22	Aulonocara koningsi “Mbenji”	Konings’ Peacock
23	Aulonocara kandeense “Kande Island”	Blue Regal Peacock
24	Aulonocara gertrudae “Mdoka Reef”	Gertrude’s Peacock
25	Aulonocara brevinidus “Chiwindi”	Short-nosed Peacock
26	Aulonocara hueseri “Chitande North”	Hueser’s Peacock
27	Aulonocara hueseri “Chitimba”	Hueser’s Peacock
28	Aulonocara walteri “Mdoka Reef”	Walter’s Peacock
29	Aulonocara nyassae “Likoma Island”	Emperor Peacock
30	Aulonocara aquilonium “Northern Reef”	Northern Aulonocara
31	Aulonocara guentheri “Chilumba”	Günther’s Peacock
32	Aulonocara ethelwynnae “Chitande Type”	Ethelwynne’s Peacock
33	Aulonocara steveni “Mbenji”	Steven’s Peacock
34	Aulonocara maleri “Maleri Island”	Maleri Peacock
35	Aulonocara maleri “Chipoka Reef”	Maleri Peacock
36	Aulonocara maleri “Chidunga Rocks”	Maleri Peacock
37	Aulonocara baenschi “Benga”	Sunshine Peacock
38	Aulonocara baenschi “Nkhomo Reef”	Sunshine Peacock
39	Aulonocara rostratum “Deep Water”	Long-nosed Peacock
40	Aulonocara rostratum “Nkhata Bay”	Long-nosed Peacock
41	Aulonocara hansbaenschi “Thumbi West”	Red Shoulder Peacock
42	Aulonocara stonemani “Deep Reef”	Stoneman’s Peacock
43	Aulonocara trematocephalum “Makanjila”	Thickhead Peacock
44	Aulonocara trematocephalum “Namitumbu”	Thickhead Peacock
45	Aulonocara kandeense “Cape Maclear”	Blue Regal Peacock
46	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi “Undu Reef”	Jacobfreiberg’s Peacock
47	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi “Eureka Red”	Jacobfreiberg’s Peacock
48	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Maleri”	Flavescent Peacock
49	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Taiwan Reef”	Flavescent Peacock
50	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Luwino Reef”	Flavescent Peacock
51	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Chipoka Deep”	Flavescent Peacock
52	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Cobue Deep”	Flavescent Peacock
53	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Likoma Deep”	Flavescent Peacock
54	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Makokola”	Flavescent Peacock
55	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi “Lion’s Cove”	Jacobfreiberg’s Peacock
56	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi “Domwe Island”	Jacobfreiberg’s Peacock
57	Aulonocara maylandi “Mdoka Reef”	Sulphur Head Peacock
58	Aulonocara koningsi “Mbenji South”	Konings’ Peacock
59	Aulonocara korneliae “Nkhomo Reef”	Blue Gold Peacock
60	Aulonocara stuartgranti “Chipoka Shallow”	Flavescent Peacock

3. Man-Made Hybrids / Color Strains Peacock cichlids

Man-made peacock cichlids are selectively bred for enhanced color and finnage. They do not exist in the wild. Below is the all peacock cichlids name list, Let’s have a look in detail.

No.	Common Name	Base Species / Mix
1	Dragon Blood Peacock	Aulonocara hybrid
2	OB Peacock	Aulonocara × Mbuna hybrid
3	Fire Fish Peacock	Aulonocara hybrid
4	Strawberry Peacock	OB Red Hybrid
5	Tangerine Peacock	Aulonocara hybrid
6	Ruby Red Peacock	Aulonocara stuartgranti variant
7	Eureka Red Peacock	Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
8	German Red Peacock	Aulonocara hybrid
9	Blue Neon Peacock	Aulonocara hansbaenschi cross
10	Albino Peacock	Any Aulonocara albino morph
11	Snow White Peacock	Albino Dragon Blood
12	Lemon Jake Peacock	Jacobfreibergi line
13	Red Dragon Peacock	Dragon Blood hybrid line
14	Ice Blue Peacock	Jacobfreibergi variant
15	Midnight Peacock	Dark morph hybrid
16	Neon Blue Peacock	Aulonocara sp. hybrid
17	Pink Peacock	OB cross
18	Sunshine OB	OB × A. baenschi
19	Calico Peacock	OB hybrid mix
20	Fire Blue Peacock	Stuartgranti hybrid
21	Coral Red Peacock	Aulonocara hybrid
22	Super Red Dragon	Dragon Blood line
23	Platinum Peacock	Albino hybrid line
24	Blue Dragon	Dragon × Stuartgranti
25	Red Sun Peacock	Baenschi × Hybrid
26	Lemon OB	OB × Baenschi
27	Ruby Dragon	Dragon × Ruby Red
28	Super Pink Peacock	OB × Red hybrid
29	White OB Peacock	Albino OB hybrid
30	Electric Blue Peacock	Stuartgranti variant
31	OB Fire Fish	OB × Fire Fish hybrid
32	Blueberry Peacock	OB Blue variant
33	Albino Dragon Blood	Albino × Dragon hybrid
34	Gold OB	Golden hybrid variant
35	Sunburst Peacock	Aulonocara hybrid
36	Purple Peacock	OB × Dragon line
37	Blue Ruby Peacock	Ruby × Blue hybrid
38	Super Red OB	OB Red hybrid
39	Red Blaze Peacock	Hybrid line
40	Copper Red Peacock	Hybrid line
41	Blue Blaze Peacock	Hybrid line
42	Gold Dust Peacock	Hybrid line
43	Neon Tangerine	Tangerine hybrid
44	Coral Blaze	Hybrid line
45	Fire & Ice Peacock	Dragon × Blue
46	Mango Peacock	Tangerine line
47	Platinum Dragon	Albino Dragon Blood
48	Super Blue OB	OB hybrid line
49	Dragon Fire Peacock	OB × Dragon hybrid
50	Scarlet Peacock	Hybrid line
51	Sunset Peacock	Aulonocara hybrid
52	Flame Tail Peacock	Stuartgranti × Hybrid line
53	Fire Tail Peacock	Hybrid line
54	Electric Tiger Peacock	OB × Dragon mix
55	Blue OB Peacock	OB hybrid
56	Purple OB Peacock	OB hybrid
57	Albino OB Peacock	Albino × OB line
58	Super Yellow Peacock	Yellow morph hybrid
59	Red Tiger Peacock	OB × Ruby mix
60	Pink Dragon Peacock	Dragon × OB hybrid
61	Snow Dragon Peacock	Albino × Dragon Blood
62	Blue Flame Peacock	Hybrid line
63	Red Flame Peacock	Hybrid line
64	Coral Flame Peacock	Hybrid line
65	Ice Flame Peacock	Blue × Dragon cross
66	Ruby Flame Peacock	Ruby × Dragon
67	Super Gold Peacock	Hybrid line
68	Gold Dragon Peacock	Dragon × Golden morph
69	Tangerine OB	OB × Tangerine
70	Calico OB Peacock	OB × Mixed hybrid
71	Albino Fire Fish	Albino × Fire Fish
72	Pink OB Peacock	OB × Pink hybrid
73	Super Orange Peacock	Hybrid line
74	Champagne Peacock	Pale golden hybrid
75	Albino Sunshine Peacock	Albino × A. baenschi
76	Red Diamond Peacock	Ruby × Dragon line
77	Blue Diamond Peacock	Stuartgranti × Hybrid
78	Platinum OB	Albino × OB
79	Electric Orange Peacock	Hybrid line
80	Neon Fire Peacock	Dragon × Neon hybrid
81	Coral OB Peacock	OB × Coral Red
82	Purple Rain Peacock	OB × Purple line
83	Sunset Flame Peacock	Hybrid line
84	Super Pink OB	OB × Red hybrid
85	Fire Pearl Peacock	Albino × Fire hybrid
86	Gold Pearl Peacock	Albino × Yellow hybrid
87	Blue Pearl Peacock	Albino × Blue hybrid
88	Sky Blue Peacock	Blue morph hybrid
89	Aqua Dragon Peacock	Dragon × Blue hybrid
90	Neon Tiger Peacock	OB × Tiger mix
91	Galaxy Peacock	Mixed designer line
92	Cosmic Peacock	Mixed designer line
93	Spectrum Peacock	Multi-color hybrid
94	Rainbow Peacock	Multi-line hybrid
95	Aurora Peacock	Blue × Red line
96	Solar Peacock	Yellow × Red hybrid
97	Lunar Peacock	Pale Blue hybrid
98	Tropical Peacock	Designer mixed line
99	Mystic Peacock	Selective hybrid line
100	Twilight Peacock	Dark × Blue hybrid

Seven Most Common Peacock Cichlids

Below are the seven most common peacock cichlid species and varieties with pictures, written in greater depth to outperform competing content. Let’s discuss the peacock cichlid types with pictures:

1. Sunshine Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara baenschi)

The Sunshine Peacock is one of the most recognizable natural peacock cichlids.
Males display intense yellow bodies with electric blue faces.

Key features:

• Bright yellow coloration
• Calm temperament
• Excellent beginner peacock

Tank size: 55 gallons+
Aggression level: Low
Best kept with: Other peacocks and haps

2. Stuart Grant’s Peacock (Aulonocara stuartgranti)

This species is known for its regional diversity. Different locations produce blue, red, yellow, or multicolored males.

Why it’s popular:

• Many local variants
• Strong color development
• Stable genetics

3. Eureka Red Peacock (Aulonocara jacobfreibergi)

Eureka Red Peacock fish has beautiful deep red and orange colors mixed with bright blue. Males get very colorful and look amazing in aquariums.

• Behavior: Slightly more assertive
• Display: Excellent flaring and breeding colors

4. OB Peacock Cichlid (Hybrid)

OB peacocks are spotted, marbled hybrids created through selective breeding. They are visually striking but not naturally occurring.

Good to know:

• Males and females can be colorful
• Popular in display tanks
• Should not be bred with wild types

5. Dragon Blood Peacock

The dragon blood peacock is one of the most intense red peacock cichlid available in the world. This hybrid was developed for maximum coloration.

• Best for: Show tanks
• Color: Deep red with blue highlights

6. Blue Neon Peacock

This peacock has a bright electric blue color that glows under aquarium lights. It is peaceful and looks great with other peacock cichlids.

• Tank appeal: Extremely high
• Compatibility: Excellent with other peacocks

7. Strawberry Peacock Cichlid

This fish has a soft pinkish-red color like a strawberry with elegant fins. It is calm and works well in mixed peacock tanks.

• Tank size: 55 gallons minimum
• Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)

Natural Peacock Cichlids: Male vs Female

Male peacock cichlids are colorful and dominant. Females are usually silver, gray, or lightly patterned.

Male traits:

• Bright coloration
• Larger size
• Territorial behavior

Female traits:

• Duller colors
• Smaller body
• Peaceful temperament

Best Natural Peacock Cichlids for Beginners

If you want true species with manageable care, start with:

• Aulonocara baenschi
• Aulonocara stuartgranti
• Aulonocara steveni
• Aulonocara nyassae

These species are hardy and adapt well to captive conditions.

Are Peacock Cichlids Aggressive?

Peacock cichlids are semi-aggressive but calmer than Mbuna. Proper stocking and tank size reduce aggression significantly.

Tips to control aggression:

• Overstock slightly
• Use large tanks
• Avoid mixing with Mbuna
• Provide an open swimming space

Conclusion

Understanding the complete list of peacock cichlids, from natural species to modern hybrids, helps you build healthier, more beautiful aquariums. These fish are not just colorful; they are intelligent, interactive, and rewarding to keep.

For expert insights, species guides, and trusted resources on African cichlids types, Peacock Cichlid Zone remains a go-to destination for hobbyists who care about accuracy, ethics, and stunning aquatic life.

FAQs

1. What is the peacock cichlid’s scientific name?

The peacock cichlid’s scientific name is Aulonocara.

2. How many peacock cichlid species are there?

There are about 22 recognized natural species, plus many variants and hybrids.

3. Are all peacock cichlids African?

Yes, all peacock cichlids originate from Lake Malawi in Africa.

4. Can different peacock cichlids live together?

Yes, they are compatible when housed properly.

5. Do peacock cichlids need sand?

Yes, sand helps them display natural foraging behavior.

6. Are OB peacock cichlids natural?

No, OB peacocks are man-made hybrids.

7. What tank size is best for peacock cichlids?

A minimum of 55 gallons is recommended.

8. Can peacock cichlids breed in captivity?

Yes, they are mouthbrooders and breed readily.

9. What do peacock cichlids eat?

High-quality pellets, frozen foods, and occasional live foods.