Aulonocara baenschi · New Yellow Regal Peacock

Overview

The relatively peaceful Lake Malawi cichlid Aulonocara baenschi has colorful males and a comparatively steep, curved snout profile. Fine sand supports natural feeding, while clean, stable hard alkaline water is essential.

Distribution & habitat

Known sites lie along Lake Malawi’s western shore, including Usisya, Nkhomo Reef, Benga, the Maleri Islands, and Chipoka. It occupies transitions between rock and sand with scattered stones, usually in relatively shallow water but occasionally deeper.

Aquarium setup

Use fine sand with open areas between rock piles. Coarse gravel can obstruct sifting, injure gills, or be swallowed, making substrate choice functional. Hard-water-tolerant plants can be included.

Avoid immature aquariums and sudden changes in chemistry. Effective external or sump filtration and weekly changes of roughly 30–50% maintain stability and cleanliness.

Diet & feeding

Members of the genus detect tiny substrate movements with enlarged head sensory pores and sift mouthfuls of sand. Offer fine prepared foods with live or frozen invertebrates such as bloodworms, Tubifex, Artemia, and mosquito larvae. Include plant-rich prepared products, such as spirulina-containing foods, and divide feeding into three or four small portions.

Behaviour & compatibility

Males may challenge fishes with similar patterns. Choose differently colored, peaceful companions; most mbuna are too forceful. Other members of the genus also present hybridization risks. Outside exceptionally large aquariums, keep one male with four to six females.

Sexual dimorphism

Adult males are larger and much more colorful than females.

Breeding

This maternal mouthbrooder may spawn in a community, though a dedicated tank improves fry survival. Several females spread courtship pressure; flat stones and open sand provide spawning sites. Eggs are collected in batches and fertilized during the egg-spot display.

Females normally fast while brooding for up to about four weeks. Stress can cause brood loss, and prolonged separation can complicate reintegration. Newly released fry with remaining yolk need no immediate food; once it is absorbed, offer Artemia nauplii. Sex differences usually begin to become evident around four months.