Ruby red peacock - Aulonocara rubescens

Scientific name: Aulonocara rubescens

Common name: Ruby red peacock

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 12 cm (3.94 - 4.72 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 16 - 24°N (285.71 - 428.57ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 26 °C (75.2 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Use quality flakes or cichlid pellets for the staple diet. Treats of blood worms, brine shrimp, krill and mysis will be readily accepted.

Origin

Africa; Ruby red peacock is found in Lake Malawi.

Sexing

The male will display a lot more colouration than the female; he will have orange and red throughout his body whereas the female will be a drab grey or brown. Always keep one male with several females but do not mix with other species of Aulonocara to prevent hybridisation.

Breeding

Ruby red peacock are mouth brooders, after spawning the female will collect the eggs for incubation, the male will take no further part in raising the young. The fry should be released after 3 weeks and they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Ruby red peacock is 5-8 years.

Short description

Always add plenty of rock work to the tank to create hiding places. Open swimming areas must be left at the front, especially along the substrate and mid regions.

Food

Carnivore - Use meat based food, however vitamins and minerals are required always.

Picture

Special thanks to Marwin Lawrence for his picture.