Eureka Red Peacock

• ExerciseModerate

  An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment7–10 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Bloat (GDV) · Ich (white spot) · Fin rot

The Eureka Red (Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, Eureka strain) belongs to the group known as Malawi butterfly peacocks and reaches about 13 to 15 cm. Where most Aulonocara hover over open sand, jacobfreibergi lives in and around caves in the intermediate rock zone, and the Eureka is a colour-selected line of it with strong red-orange flanks and white fin edging. Females again stay brown, so buy on the understanding that colour is a male trait. Give a male and three or more females 300 litres or more at 24-27C, pH 7.8 to 8.6 in hard water, with real caves as well as sand, since this species uses overhangs as home base. Feed cichlid pellets, frozen mysis and cyclops, and keep the fat content low. It is a little bolder and more territorial than the sand-dwelling peacocks and will claim a cave and defend the ground in front of it, but it remains suitable for a mixed hap and peacock community in a large tank. Do not house it with mbuna, and keep only one male jacobfreibergi per tank unless the tank is very large.

• How active is a Eureka Red Peacock?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Eureka Red Peacock need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Eureka Red Peacock need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Eureka Red Peacock a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Eureka Red Peacock live?

  7–10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Eureka Red Peacock?

  Keep an eye out for Bloat (GDV), Ich (white spot), Fin rot. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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