Aulonocara sp. 'stuartgranti maleri' · Sunshine Peacock

Overview

The identity of Aulonocara sp. ‘stuartgranti maleri’ remains unresolved, and trade labels overlap with described relatives and selected strains. Males hold territories and can be more assertive than some peacocks, especially toward similar-looking fish.

Distribution & habitat

Known localities are around the Maleri Islands, Chidunga Rocks, Mumbo Island, and Namalenje Island in southwestern Lake Malawi. At rock–sand transitions, females and juveniles forage in loose groups while males establish rocky territories edged by a shallow ridge of sand.

Aquarium setup

Provide stable rockwork separated by open fine sand. Coarse particles can hinder feeding, injure gills, or be swallowed; suitable hard-water plants are optional. Use effective established filtration and weekly changes of roughly 30–50%, avoiding pollution and abrupt chemical shifts.

Diet & feeding

Members of the genus detect tiny movements using head sensory pores and sift substrate for food. Offer fine prepared diets with small live or frozen invertebrates, including some plant-rich dry products. Divide the ration into three or four smaller meals.

Behaviour & compatibility

Select differently patterned, peaceful companions capable of coping with its activity. Most mbuna are too boisterous, while other peacocks may hybridize. One male with four to six females is preferable unless the aquarium is exceptionally large.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are larger and more colorful than females.

Breeding

This maternal mouthbrooder may breed in a community, but a dedicated setup improves fry retention. Provide flat stones and sand, with several females to spread male attention. Eggs are collected in batches and fertilized during the male’s egg-spot display.

Brooding lasts up to about four weeks, usually with no normal feeding. Disturbance may cause loss of the brood; weigh protective isolation against moving stress and later reintegration. Feed released young Artemia nauplii after remaining yolk is absorbed. Sex differences commonly begin to show around four months.

Notes

Compared with a similar yellow peacock, the head and snout profile is straighter and the eyes relatively smaller. Preserve locality labels and distinguish wild forms from selected red strains rather than treating a shared sales name as proof of identical origin.