Sunshine Peacock Cichlid

Scientific Name: Aulonocara baenschi

The Sunshine Peacock Cichlid is a beautiful Lake Malawi Peacock prized for the intense yellow coloration of mature males. Adult males develop a bright yellow body contrasted by metallic blue coloration across the face, while females and juveniles are typically much more subdued. The species is also commonly sold as the Yellow Benga Peacock.

Sunshine Peacocks are generally less aggressive than many Mbuna, making them a good choice for a properly planned Peacock or Hap aquarium. Males can still become territorial, particularly toward competing males and during breeding.

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
Purchase Size: Approximately 1–2 inches
Adult Size: Approximately 4–5 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons recommended
Temperature: 77–84°F
pH: 7.5–8.5
Diet: Omnivore / Invertivore
Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
Recommended Group Size: One male with multiple females when maintained as a breeding group.

Recommended Setup: Provide a fine sand substrate with scattered rockwork, caves, and open swimming areas. Sunshine Peacocks naturally occur around sandy areas with scattered rocks, so the aquarium should provide both shelter and open substrate. Strong filtration and stable, hard, alkaline water are recommended.

Feed a high-quality African cichlid pellet as the staple diet supplemented with appropriate frozen and prepared foods. A varied diet will help maintain good condition and coloration.

Please Note: Juvenile and female Sunshine Peacocks will not necessarily display the bright yellow and blue coloration seen in mature males. Coloration varies according to age, sex, genetics, dominance, and environment. Unless specifically stated otherwise, sex and exact coloration are not guaranteed.

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