This is made easier by their willingness to do so, unlike some freshwater fish. For this reason, a lot of people will prefer to put other species that are also native to Lake Malawi and can withstand the conditions of the natural habitat. Because of their popularity and beauty, peacock cichlids are commonly bred in captivity. You’ll learn about all the different types of African cichlids, the best tank mates, their behavior, lifespan, breeding, and how to set up the perfect tank. These loaches are semi-aggressive, but they like to hide when sufficient hiding places are provided. The ideal water temp for African cichlids is a fairly flexible range between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Strawberry peacocks are certainly fish that you should know about. When considering adding additional Peacock cichlid tank mates from one of these species, make sure to consider their individual feeding requirements. Due to the aggressive nature of these fish, there are specific types of tankmates that should be avoided. They are aggressive and can harm or kill the other fish of the same species if threatened. Without plants providing extra natural filtration, aquarists may need to invest in higher quality filtration systems to have a more strict cleaning regime. However, species-only tanks are just as colorful. Either way, hobbyists get to enjoy beautiful fish with striking appearances and fascinating behaviors. An ideal tank mate would be large and active fish. Being bottom feeders, you can rest … However, there are easy ways to curb these behaviors and precautions to prevent your peacock cichlids from becoming distressed. Peacock cichlids can be kept together as tank mates; however, the best way to keep them together is to maintain a ratio that is four (4) female peacock cichlids to each one (1) male peacock cichlid to create schools within the aquarium. Though peacocks are not recommended for beginner fish keepers, they are an excellent choice for beginner cichlid keepers. If you want to keep them with others, then make sure they share the … Peacock cichlids (Aulonocara) are a very colorful fish, as their name may indicate. Cichlids will readily explore them and use them to stake out different territories. The fish is … Some of the more popular types of peacock cichlids include: Depending on the variety and gender, your cichlid will grow to roughly 4 – 6”. Peacock cichlids need a minimum of 55 gallons. Temperament: Semi … You can help to prevent or alleviate aggressive behavior by the many tank mates in your aquarium by creating many different territories in your tank using decorations. You should not keep a large number of eels in one tank. Have you become fascinated with the African peacock cichlid? The jewel cichlid originates from Africa – the muddy rivers in central Africa. The fish you choose as peacock cichlid tank mates need to be able to survive in the same water conditions as your African peacock cichlids in addition to standing up to any territorial behavior from any more aggressive cichlids in your tank. What fish go well with cichlids? African Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara nyassae) 22 species of peacock cichlids … Electric Blue Cichlid/Electric Blue Hap (Sciaenochromis fryeri) Difficulty: Easy. Because of the depths, peacock cichlids inhabit in the wild, plants are more sparse and so are unnecessary in home aquariums. You can help to prevent or alleviate aggressive behavior by the many tank mates in your aquarium by creating many different territories in your tank using decorations. Below is a basic rundown of what you’ll need for a cichlid tank: Another décor such as caves, terra cotta pots, and similar aquarium-safe hiding places can also be added. Pelvicachromis pulcher (African) At three to four inches when fully grown, this fish is also classified … Not only are “Haps” endemic to Lake Malawi, meaning that they are compatible tank mates with the peacock cichlid in terms of water requirements, but several species are particularly docile and peaceful. Community aquariums with these fish are sure to be a stunning sight. Are you looking for the most compatible peacock cichlid tank mates? Peacock cichlid tank mates come in many forms, including other species from Lake Malawi, and other non-cichlid varieties of fish. On the whole, these are one of the most peaceful varieties of cichlids. Plecos are a perfect tank mate to your African Cichlids. Cichlids may appreciate live plants, but otherwise, silk plants or a hardscape will work fine. That aggression is the most problematic issue regarding cichlids' compatibility with other fish. Because cichlids are mostly aggressive, they are generally not community fish and only do best in species tanks. However, not every Lake Malawi cichlid will be compatible with the peacock cichlid in terms of temperament.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'cichlidguide_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_5',130,'0','0'])); One manner in which you can ensure compatibility in your African peacock cichlid tank is to house peacock cichlids with other peacock cichlid tank mates. Peacock Cichlid Tankmates When choosing tank mates for the Peacock Cichlids, it is important to keep the water conditions in mind and select a species that can withstand them. The Venustus can get aggressive. Its stunning coloration makes it a fan favorite, and its entertaining personality also does not hurt! You should not keep cichlids in an aquarium with peacock eels. A varied diet that heavily features meaty food is recommended. Some foods that you can feed the peacock cichlids include: These cichlids will accept live, frozen, and freeze-dried foods. If you have kept cichlids before, you will find it easy to raise a parrot fish. Some of the most popular varieties of the African peacock cichlid that aquarists favor include: The Haplochromis genus includes more than 200 recognizes species, several of which are particularly well suited to be housed with the African peacock cichlid. It is still important to determine what tankmates are compatible with African peacock cichlids to create a peaceful and amiable tank. Sponge Filters: When Should You Prefer Them? Your peacock cichlid probably will not bother the plecostomus at all. The African peacock cichlid is an easy tank mate to keep because it is peaceful and easygoing. The African peacock cichlid is a stunning and beautiful addition to any aquarium, provided you choose compatible tank mates. Indeed, the peacock cichlid has a feature to appeal to every aquarist. They are usually peaceful when kept in the right conditions. Peacock cichlids can be bred with members of their own species or with other species, creating hybrids. Inter-species breeding is relatively common. pH Range: a pH range of anywhere between 7.5 – 8.5 is acceptable. And each variety is just as colorful as the last! Weekly water changes are recommended to prevent ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates from getting above two ppm. Don’t be afraid to ask at your local fish specialist regarding compatible Peacock cichlid tank mates, as sometimes you will not know about a potential compatible tank mate until it is suggested to you by a more seasoned expert. These fish may be territorial (especially males of the species), but they are generally not aggressive. … We need to set up a 60 female network tank with an assortment of cichlids. Breeders and aquarists alike seek to produce the most vibrant colors, which may appear similar to one of the true 22 varieties. Fishtankadvisor.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. However, to prevent creating more hybrids, it’s wise not to keep multiple species of peacock cichlids together. As such, they don’t need any specialized equipment. If you want bright color and high activity in a 55 keep the electric yellows and swap out the rest for a group of 12-15 demasoni. It’s not recommended to keep multiple varieties of peacock cichlids together. These fish can take a decent current, so almost. Though they get along, this can cause breeding issues later on (covered more in-depth later on). Four examples of the gentler species of Haplochromis that would make compatible tank mates with the African peacock cichlid include:eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'cichlidguide_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',127,'0','0'])); Copadichromis – Copadichromis is a genus consisting of 25 recognized species. This is made easier by their willingness to do so, unlike some freshwater fish. Their lifespan is usually between 7-12 years depending on their treatment. They are even easy to breed, which is a notable feat for freshwater fish species. This is said to be one of their most unusual and stunning behaviors to watch, both in the wild and in home aquariums. Instead, this fish features colors from every spectrum. Venustus Cichlid Tank Mates. It is important that you consider water conditions and temperament when considering compatibility in your Peacock cichlid tank mates to achieve the best results. However, they are one of the easiest cichlids to keep. Jewel Cichlid. Peacock cichlids may not be the easiest fish to keep due to their gallon and community tank requirements. Peacock cichlids have long been favored in the aquarium industry, and it’s easy to understand why. It’s best to house peacock cichlids with other fish that are peaceful and active. Stress from mixing peacocks, mbuna, and Tanganykians in a tank too small for the peacocks alone. The red tail shark is another popular tank mate. Keeping them with other African fish usually creates reliable results. So if your cichlids consistently engage in breeding behavior, but no fertilized eggs or fry are produced, it’s likely at least one of your cichlids is a hybrid. Though housing other bottom dwellers may be fine in large aquariums, it’s best avoided. Keep stress to a minimum by keeping your water parameters as perfect as you can. African cichlids are colorful, hardy and very aggressive freshwater fish. Because you will likely already have plenty of hiding spots for your Peacock Cichlids, this will be an ideal environment. African Cichlid Tank Mates. Male African peacock cichlids are particularly territorial tank mates, and so it is crucial to provide them with sufficient space to prevent any issues in your tank. Yellow Peacock Cichlids do best in Lake Malawi biotope aquariums, which contain a sand substrate, large rock piles, rocky caves and some scattered hard water tolerant plants. Though, it’s best to make sure these foods sink quickly since peacocks are bottom dwellers and tend to stay in the lower and middle water columns. It would help if you were looking for fish species that are either capable of standing up to any aggressive behavior from the cichlids in your tank or that can hide when they need to. Peacock cichlids can be kept in the same tank with other cichlids as well as other peaceful community species.Compared to other Lake Malawi cichlids, Peacock cichlids are relatively peaceful. The African peacock cichlid is an easy tank mate to keep because it is peaceful and easygoing. These active fish needs lots of surface area to explore and open space for swimming. Try to add many different plants and hiding places for your fish. Cichlid Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Temperature: these cichlids like water that’s between 76-82°F. Lake Malawi is over 2,300 ft. deep, but peacock cichlids usually prefer areas roughly 100 – 130 ft. Mbuna Tank Mates. For example, although Mbuna are generally more aggressive than Haps, the Rusty Cichlid, Lodotropheus Sprengerae, which is a Mbuna, is regarded as a docile species that is likely to be bullied by more aggressive tank mates including the peacock cichlid. For more information, please check our, Other aggressive fish will cause peacock cichlids to respond sharply, It’s not recommended to keep multiple varieties of peacock cichlids together, Freshwater & Brackish Puffers: How to Properly Keep them in Your Tank, How to Properly Care for Celestial Pearl Danios, Blackwater Aquariums: How to Setup a Biotope Tank. If you would like to enjoy the multiple colours and differing behaviours of peacock cichlids in a mixed species tank, you will have to … Another consideration is to avoid other bottom dwellers so that these cichlids don’t have to share their space. These fish are a tame member of the cichlid family and will do fine with other non-aggressive fish. Let’s start with a few African Cichlid Tank Mates. Plecos. This will keep your cichlid in top shape and preserve its vibrant coloring. These fish are tame members of the cichlid family and will do well with other non-aggressive fish. Other aggressive fish will cause peacock cichlids to respond sharply, which should be avoided. It will keep your cichlids healthy and in a more peaceful mood. High-quality fish flakes and pellets will also be readily accepted, but they should not comprise a significant part of the diet. Peacock cichlids are classified as semi-aggressive because males can exhibit territorial behavior. Particular Lake Malawi residents, which are more active or a little more on the aggressive side, should be avoided, including Labeotropheus, Mbuna, Petrotilapia, and Pseudotropheus.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'cichlidguide_com-leader-2','ezslot_15',133,'0','0'])); There are exceptions to every rule, however, as every genus has a few species that are more docile than the rest. Lake Malawi cichlids require alkaline water with a balanced pH. Peacock Cichlid Tank Setting and Care If the owner is lucky, he could get the wild cichlid, the one that is caught in Lake Malawi directly. Its stunning coloration makes it a fan favorite, and its entertaining personality also does not hurt! Not all species are available commercially, but many are sold in stores around the world. It is the fourth largest lake by volume globally and is close to 10 million years old. All are from the genus Aulonocara, and popular with aquarists because of the bright colors that males display, which is also their characteristic that helped them get the name of Peacock Cichlid. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. African Cichlid Tank Mates If you are keeping Cichlids for the first time, I will suggest you go with one in the beginning. If the water parameters waver, you may experience an increase in tension among tank mates, including your African peacock cichlid. This should be plenty to allow you to make them comfortable and also accommodate their tank mates. Having said that, you’ll also want to make sure your peacock companions will survive in the same water as your cichlid given that they have somewhat unique aquarium water requirements. Peacock cichlids are originally from Lake Malawi, the southernmost lake in the East African Rift. It can be difficult to prevent in tanks with multiple species if the fish aren’t all females. Guide to Cichlid Salts and Water Chemistry, Flowerhorn Care Guide & A Closer Look at These Amazing Cichlids. Also, remember that more space for your tank mates is better, especially when mixing male and female Malawi cichlids. But deciding on a peacock isn’t the hard part— that comes when you have to pick between over a dozen gorgeous varieties! Generally speaking, 100 gallons of tank space is adequate for a community of six peacock cichlids. Sciaenochromis – Sciaenochromis is a genus consisting of only four recognized species. 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