Strawberry Peacock Cichlid

Strawberry Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara Nyassae)

The Strawberry Peacock Cichlid, also known as the Ruby Red Peacock, Nyasa Peacock Cichlid, and Pink Peacock, is a stunning freshwater fish that's popular among aquarists due to its vibrant coloration and relatively peaceful nature. This cichlid species is native to Lake Malawi in Eastern Africa, where it thrives in warm, deep waters.

The Strawberry Peacock Cichlid is a sight to behold with its bright reddish-pink body color. Some even have interesting dots that cover their fins. Males are particularly vibrant, making them a standout addition to any aquarium. Adult males can reach up to 6 inches in length, while females typically max out at 4 inches.

In terms of behavior, Strawberry Peacock Cichlids are territorial but less aggressive than other cichlid species. These cichlids are not shoaling or schooling fish, but they should be kept in groups of at least five, ideally with a single male and multiple females, to reduce aggression. They are bottom dwellers and active hunters, often seen sifting through the substrate in search of food.

Strawberry Peacock Cichlids are omnivores with a preference for foods rich in protein, such as sinking cichlid pellets, supplemented with live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and krill. They can be supplemented with occasional vegetables, like spinach or peas, which will keep them healthy and vibrant. Overfeeding should be avoided as it can lead to health issues such as Malawi bloat and obesity.

In creating an ideal tank habitat for Strawberry Peacock Cichlids, they prefer spacious aquariums with plenty of hiding spots. These can be created using rocks, terracotta pots, and driftwood. Design your tank with rocks strategically placed around the space but ensure there are open areas between them. Use fine sand for the substrate to facilitate natural feeding behaviors. Avoid coarser options like gravel or small pebbles, as these can interfere with feeding, harm the fish's gill filaments, and even be swallowed, potentially causing internal damage or blockages. The Strawberry Peacock Cichlid is plant-friendly, so you can enhance your tank with hard water-tolerant plant species such as Vallisneria, Anubias, or Sagittaria, which can also provide additional hiding spots and enrichment for the fish. Lighting should be moderate, providing both shaded areas and areas with gentle illumination.

Strawberry Peacock Cichlids thrive in water with the following parameters: a pH of 7.5-8.5, hardness of 4-6 dGH, and temperature of 74°F-82°F (23°C-28°C). They require a minimum aquarium size of 55-60 gallons, but a community aquarium of 100 gallons is ideal.