🐟 Strawberry Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara sp.)
Colorful Display Fish • Territorial Mbuna Alternative • Active Community Cichlid
 
📋 The Strawberry Peacock Cichlid is one of the most eye-catching African cichlids, bred for its bright red-to-pink “strawberry” coloration. Unlike the more aggressive Mbuna of Lake Malawi, Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara group) are generally less aggressive and more display-focused, making them a centerpiece for larger community cichlid tanks.
Males develop the most intense red and pink coloration, while females remain more subdued in tone. With their active swimming, bold presence, and striking colors, they provide continuous visual appeal in aquariums.
These cichlids thrive in hard, alkaline water and benefit from a rocky aquascape with open swimming areas. Their territorial behavior is moderate, but they mix well with other Peacock and Haplochromis species when provided with sufficient space.
 
💡 Highlights
✨ Brilliant strawberry-red coloration – selectively bred for vivid tones
⚪ Peacock Cichlid temperament – less aggressive than Mbuna
📏 Medium size (12 – 15 cm) – requires 50+ gallon tanks
✅ Active swimmer – centerpiece display fish
🐠 Mouthbrooder – fascinating maternal breeding behavior