Flametail 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 Flametail Peacock (Aulonocara stuartgranti, Ngara population) comes from the northern shore of Lake Malawi and reaches about 12 to 15 cm. Mature males are metallic blue with a strongly orange-streaked tail and often an orange flush on the flanks; females are brown and unremarkable. This is a genuine wild location fish rather than a bred strain, and stock from a known collection point holds its type across generations. Keep a male with three or four females in 250 litres or more at 24-27C, pH 7.8 to 8.6, hard water, over a sand bed with rock structure around the edges and clear open water in the middle. Feed a good cichlid pellet with frozen mysis, cyclops and brine shrimp, and skip fatty or mammal-based foods entirely. Peacocks are among the calmer Malawi cichlids and suit a large community of haps and other Aulonocara, but only one male of each closely related peacock type should be kept, as they interbreed easily and males compete hard. As with all peacocks, do not mix them with mbuna.

• How active is a Flametail Peacock?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a Flametail Peacock need?

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

• What tank size does a Flametail Peacock need?

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

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

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

• How long do Flametail Peacock live?

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

• What health issues affect the Flametail 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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