What lake are peacock cichlids from?

What kind of habitat do peacock cichlids need?

Because all Peacock Cichlids are endemic to Lake Malawi, the habitat requirements of the different species are all quite similar. Essentially, you must recreate the specific nature of that African lake within your home fish tank in order for your Peacock Cichlids to thrive.

Do peacock cichlids need a rocky or rocky tank?

Author Note: Some types of peacock cichlids prefer a rocky habitat and others prefer the opposite, so a larger tank can be made to accommodate both. Peacock cichlids thrive in a water environment that mimics the conditions of their native Lake Malawi where the temperature is a bit warmer than the water habitat of other cichlid species.

What are peacock cichlids?

Peacock cichlids are those cichlids belonging to the genus Aulonocara. There are 22 species of Peacock cichlid that have been described, and all of them are endemic to Lake Malawi in eastern Africa. Lake Malawi is one of the African Rift Valley lakes (the second largest) and it is the ninth largest lake in the world.

Are there peacock cichlids in Lake Malawi?

There are over twenty names types of peacock cichlids, and it’s no wonder every species is found in Lake Malawi, as this body of water is the world’s ninth-largest lake!

How to choose the best tank mates for peacock cichlids?

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. 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.

What is the pH of peacock cichlids water?

pH levels: 7.5 and 8.5 It’s very important that you keep the water as clean as possible. Peacock cichlids are used to very clear waters in their natural habitat and their health will suffer if you don’t maintain their water quality.

Can peacock cichlids live in Lake Malawi?

This will give the Peacock Cichlids the room they need to move, swim, hide and hunt. The water in Lake Malawi is warm and alkaline all year round. This means you should keep the tank temperature between 74°F and 82°F with the aim of maintaining the water at around 80°F.

Can you put coral in a peacock cichlid tank?

Some people recommend using crushed coral as a substrate in peacock tanks to help harden the water, which can work, but putting the coral in the filter would be much better. If you like, you can add live plants in your peacock cichlids tank, but although the fish won’t exactly feed on your plants, they are infamous diggers and re-decorators.

How many types of peacock cichlids are there?

There are more than 20 peacock cichlid color variations. The two common types of peacock cichlid are the red peacock cichlid and the blue peacock cichlid. Peacock cichlids are popular amongst aquarists because of their beautiful colors and their ease of care, although in cramped tank environments, the fish have an aggressive streak.

Are peacock cichlids aggressive?

These fish may be territorial (especially males of the species, ain’t it always the way?), but they are generally not aggressive. Peacock Cichlids can be kept in the same tank with other cichlids as well as other peaceful community species.

Can peacock cichlids be kept with other fish in a tank?

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.

Where do peacock cichlids come from?

So, where did these gorgeous fish come from? Peacock cichlids are those cichlids belonging to the genus Aulonocara. There are 22 species of Peacock cichlid that have been described, and all of them are endemic to Lake Malawi in eastern Africa.

How many peacock cichlids can you keep together?

Yet, the number of cichlids that can be kept together relies on how big the tank is. The minimum tank size is a 50-gallon tank, while the optimal is a 100-gallon tank size; the latter lets you keep a community of 10 peacock cichlids or so.

Can peacock cichlids breed quickly?

Peacock cichlids can quickly breed given the proper water temperature and condition. They’re relatively peaceful, more disciplined, and less aggressive, unlike other members of the same species. Thus, these characteristics make them easier to handle and keep. However, the most significant deciding factor is your home tank’s size.

What makes a good tank mate for African cichlids?

Like all Catfish, they’re bottom feeders, so they will make good tank mates for African Cichlids. They’re very peaceful and shy with an arrow-shaped, cylinder-like body.

Can peacock cichlids live in a home aquarium?

Being endemic to the lake, the Peacock Cichlid has specially adapted to the environment. In the home aquarium, the conditions must be particular for the fish. For the pH, it needs to be 7.5 to 8.5. This is the high range of pH for freshwater fish.

What is the best pH for peacock cichlids?

These fish prefer a slightly alkaline pH that ranges anywhere from 7.5 to 9.0. A lukewarm water temperature of around 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) is optimal for most Peacock Cichlid species. Peacock Cichlids tend to dwell in areas of the lake characterized by natural rubble.

How to care for peacock cichlids in Lake Malawi?

For Peacock Cichlids to thrive, they require the natural conditions of the Lake Malawi to exhibit proper growth and maturation. These fish prefer a slightly alkaline pH that ranges anywhere from 7.5 to 9.0. A lukewarm water temperature of around 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) is optimal for most Peacock Cichlid species.

What is the pH of African cichlids?

African Cichlids are fish found in the African Great Lakes. Waters in these African lakes have a pH between 8.0 and 9.0. If you own an aquarium with African Cichlids, you can raise pH for this fish in many ways.

Where do peacock cichlids live?

Native to Lake Malawi in eastern Africa, peacock cichlids live near the bottom of the warm, deep water where it searches for food in the sandy substrate. An active, skillful swimmer, the peacock is ever on the lookout for potential prey.