Aulonocara sp. 'walteri' · Blue-faced Peacock

Overview

The undescribed Aulonocara sp. ‘walteri’ favors rocky caves. Its trade name should not be mistaken for a formally established species name. Territorial males can challenge similarly patterned fish despite an otherwise comparatively mild disposition.

Distribution & habitat

Known records are from Chizumulu and Likoma islands off Lake Malawi’s central eastern shore. Similar fish farther south may or may not belong to the same species. Natural caves within rock–sand transition habitat are favored; large caves may contain several male territories, with darker dominant fish occupying higher positions.

Aquarium setup

Use stable rockwork with caves and open fine-sand areas between. Coarse substrate may disrupt feeding, damage gills, or be swallowed. Hard-water-tolerant plants can be added. Established filtration and weekly changes of around 30–50% maintain clean, chemically stable water.

Diet & feeding

Peacocks generally locate small substrate prey with head sensory pores and sift sand. Provide varied fine prepared diets with small live or frozen items, including some plant-rich products. Three or four small feedings suit continued foraging better than one large meal.

Behaviour & compatibility

Choose peaceful, differently patterned companions. Most mbuna are too boisterous, and other peacocks risk hybridization. Keep one male with four to six females outside very large systems to limit male competition and distribute courtship attention.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are larger and more colorful than females.

Breeding

This maternal mouthbrooder can spawn in a community, but a dedicated aquarium improves survival of young. Provide rocks and open sand, with several females to spread courtship pressure. Egg collection and fertilization follow the egg-spot display.

Females generally fast while brooding for up to about four weeks. Stress can cause brood loss, while extended isolation may complicate return to the group. Feed young after residual yolk is absorbed, starting with Artemia nauplii. Sex differences often become easier to see around four months.