German 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 German Red Peacock (Aulonocara sp. German Red) is a line-bred aquarium strain developed in Europe, generally attributed to Aulonocara stuartgranti stock, reaching about 12 to 15 cm. There is no wild population of red peacocks in Lake Malawi: the colour was selected over generations by breeders. That is not a criticism, but it does mean the fish should be sold as a strain rather than a species, and it also means avoiding the separate and genuinely dishonest practice of hormone-treated or dyed peacocks, whose colour fades within months and whose fertility is often destroyed. Care matches the wild peacocks: 250 litres or more for a male and three or four females at 24-27C, pH 7.8 to 8.6, hard water, sand bed and open cruising space with rock cover at the edges. Feed quality cichlid pellets, frozen mysis and cyclops, avoiding fatty foods. Because it is a strain rather than a location species, mixing it with wild-type Aulonocara produces muddled offspring, so a breeder keeping lines should run one type per tank. Temperament is typical peacock: assertive towards other males, tolerant of most similarly sized haps, and unsuited to life with mbuna.

• How active is a German Red Peacock?

  Moderate. An active swimmer that appreciates open swimming space.

• How much maintenance does a German Red Peacock need?

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

• What tank size does a German Red Peacock need?

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

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

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

• How long do German Red Peacock live?

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

• What health issues affect the German 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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