Aulonocara Maylandi

Datasheet

General Description

The Sulphurhead Peacock, scientifically known as Aulonocara Maylandi, is a species of cichlid. It exhibits two distinctive phenotypes, with the "sulphur head" variant found in West Reef and Eccles Reef, and another form known as A. m. kandeensis discovered on Kande Island. The species can grow up to 10.0cm in size, and a minimum tank size of 160 litres is recommended.

Aquarium Setup

For an optimal aquarium setup for the Sulphurhead Peacock, rockwork piles should be arranged with open spaces in between, and fine sand is ideal as substrate to facilitate natural feeding behavior. Water quality must be closely monitored, with parameters falling within a range of 179-447ppm for hardness, a pH of 7.5-9.0, and a temperature range of 25-29°C. Over-filtration and regular water changes of 30-50% weekly are crucial for maintaining stable conditions.

Behaviour

Known for its peaceful and timid nature, the Sulphurhead Peacock requires a species-specific setup to thrive. While multiple males can coexist in a colony, careful selection of tank mates is necessary. Aggressive species like other Aulonocara and most Mbuna should be avoided. Males display vibrant nuptial colors, with more than one individual showcasing this behavior in colony settings.

Feeding and Diet

Aulonocara species are benthophagous, feeding by sifting through substrate for edible items and expelling debris through gills. Their diet should consist of a variety of high-quality prepared foods, supplemented with live/frozen larvae and vegetable-rich products like Spirulina. Feeding smaller portions multiple times daily encourages natural browsing behavior, promoting growth and overall health.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Sulphurhead Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders that exhibit spawning behavior in community setups. To maximize breeding success, a single male to multiple females ratio is recommended. Males court females, fertilizing eggs with specialized anal fin "egg spots." After a gestation period of up to 4 weeks, females release free-swimming fry. Males are larger and more colorful than females.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to Lake Malawi, the Sulphurhead Peacock occupies intermediate zones with rocky shores transitioning to sandy bottoms. The two principal color forms are found in West Reef/Eccles Reef and Kande Island. The species at Kande Island resides in waters around 10 meters deep, with males establishing territories where rocks meet sand, while females forage over sand in groups.