Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: With Caution

General Description: The Dragons Blood Peacock is a hybrid Aulonocara of unknown origin and does not occur in the wild. Aulonocara, or Peacock cichlids, are endemic throughout Lake Malawi in intermediate zones where rocky areas give way to open expanses of sand with scattered rocks. There is a lot of variation in both color intensity and patterning of Dragons blood peacocks. Generally speaking, males can be red, orange or yellowish with a lot of red spots in the fins, but the density of spots in the body will be variable. Some male individuals may also have a blue tinge to their fins. Females, which are not as frequently available, will usually have an orange-pink body and spots only on the anal fin. Dragons blood peacocks are quite active and would do best in a tank that provides such space for ample exploration and movement. It is best to keep a male Dragons blood peacock solitary or with several females. An adult Dragons blood peacock can reach a size of approximately 6″.

Diet Requirements: Dragons blood peacocks are omnivorous. Various high quality vegetable and protein based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are acceptable. Frozen foods such as spirulina or standard brine shrimp, daphnia, and other mixed freshwater preparations should also be offered. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for a Dragons blood peacock. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 30 ppm). Peacocks do not endure deteriorating water parameters well. The aquarium should be aquascaped with some stacked rocks to create hiding spaces and caves, but for this species, more unobstructed and open swimming space should be provided. The aquarium should also be well oxygenated. A sand-like substrate is needed because Aulonocara spend a considerable amount of time sifting the sand given their benthic nature. Too coarse of substrate can inhibit feeding, damage gills, and even cause internal blockages or damage if ingested. African cichlid specific substrates are great choices because they will buffer the pH and alkalinity to levels characteristic of Lake Malawi. Dragons blood peacock are very dynamic in their compatibility with other Malawian and Tanganyikan fish, though a more peaceful tank is preferred. Recommended water conditions, 74-80° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.5-8.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 2-1/2” to 3”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.