All fish / Cichlidae

Blue Orchid Peacock

Aulonocara korneliae

Also known as blue orchid aulonocara, chizumulu peacock, aulonocara blue orchid, korneliae peacock, aulonocara chizumulu, blue gold peacock, 蓝兰孔雀鲷

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Males are a shimmering metallic blue, often with faint dark bars and a yellowish tinge on the flanks, while females are a drab greyish brown. It is a fairly small, less boisterous Malawi cichlid that suits rocky community tanks with other peaceful peacocks and utaka.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

7.6 to 8.6

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

One male with three or more females

Diet

Carnivore: quality cichlid pellets, frozen mysis, brine shrimp and krill; avoid heavy meaty foods like beef heart

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Malawi (Chizumulu Island area), Malawi

Breeding

A maternal mouthbrooder: the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for about three weeks after spawning on a flat stone or in a pit. It breeds readily in captivity if kept in a harem with plenty of rockwork.

Good to know

Do not house with other Aulonocara species, as they hybridise easily and many trade fish are already crosses. Avoid aggressive mbuna, which will bully it and outcompete it for food.