Aulonocara Hansbaenschi

Datasheet

General Description

The Aulonocara Hansbaenschi, commonly known as the Red Shoulder Peacock, is a species of cichlid found in the Perciformes order, belonging to the Cichlidae family. It reaches a maximum size of about 12.0cm, and its habitat typically includes rocky shores transitioning into sandy bottoms with scattered rocks within the intermediate zones of Lake Malawi.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Red Shoulder Peacock, it is advisable to include fine sand as substrate to mimic its natural feeding behavior. Rockwork should be arranged with open spaces in between to allow for natural foraging. Hard water-tolerant plant species like Vallisneria, Anubias, or Sagittaria can be added without harm. Water quality is crucial, requiring stable parameters achieved through over-filtering the tank and regular 30-50% water changes. Refer to the provided water conditions table for specific requirements.

Behaviour

The Red Shoulder Peacock is generally peaceful; however, males can display aggression towards fish with similar color patterns. To minimize conflicts, it is recommended to keep just one male alongside 4-6 females in most aquarium sizes. Tank mates like Copadichromis, Placidochromis, Otopharynx lithobates, or Labidochromis caeruleus are suitable, while other Aulonocara species should be avoided due to the potential for hybridization.

Feeding and Diet

Aulonocara Hansbaenschi are benthophagous feeders, sifting through substrate for food. Their diet in captivity should consist of high-quality prepared foods, live or frozen chironomid larvae, Tubifex, Artemia, and vegetable-rich products like Spirulina. Small, frequent feedings are recommended to mimic natural browsing behavior for optimal growth and condition.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

The Red Shoulder Peacock is a maternal mouthbrooder, with females carrying eggs for up to 4 weeks before releasing free-swimming fry. Males can be aggressive during courtship, necessitating a ratio of one male to multiple females for breeding. Artificial stripping of fry is an option at around 2 weeks, with proper care required to ensure successful development. Male Aulonocara are larger and more colorful than females.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to Lake Malawi, the Red Shoulder Peacock is found in limited localities such as Masinje, Fort Maguire, Mara Point, and Thumbi West Island, typically inhabiting rocky caves and crevices in shallow waters. Their preference for these habitats sets them apart from other Aulonocara species in the genus, showcasing unique behavior within their natural environment.