Aulonocara OB – OB Peacock

Common name: OB Peacock, Aulonocara Orange Blotch

 Scientific name: Aulonocara OB

 Average Adult Fish Size: 14cm / 5 Inches

 Place of Origin: Lake Malawi (Hybrid)

 Typical Tank setup: Rocky Malawi tank with plenty of open swimming space

 Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 200 Litres

 Compatibility: Combine with other Lake Malawi Hap and Aulonocara species. Can also be housed with less aggressive Mbuna such as Labidochromis Caeruleus.

 Temperature: 23-28 Deg C / 73-82 Deg F

 Water chemistry:  pH 7.6-8.6

 Feeding: Omnivore – Best thrives on specially made African Cichlid pellets or flakes.

 Sexing: Males are larger and much more colourful as adults, juvenile fish are difficult to sex.

Breeding: Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders like many of the African Cichlids. The male will entice a mate and as the female lays her eggs he will fertilize them. The process continues till all the eggs are fertilized and the female holds them in her mouth for 3-4 weeks during which time she does not eat.

Additional Information: This hybrid fish has become one of the most popular of all the African Cichlids. The male is extremely attractive developing an array of colours in blotches. The colours range from shades of orange, blue, red and brown. It is the only Aulonocara that has blotches and does not occur in the wild as this is a man made species. The OB Peacock is a cross between a Peacock and a Mbuna but which species is not exactly clear. People have divided opinions about hybrid fish in the hobby specially when it comes to African Cichlids but that hasn’t stopped this fish from becoming popular.