Add a splash of sunshine to your aquarium with the Golden Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara baenschi), a stunning freshwater fish from the clear, rocky waters of Lake Malawi, Africa. Known for its vibrant golden-yellow body and graceful swimming style, this Peacock Cichlid is a peaceful yet eye-catching choice for African cichlid enthusiasts. Golden Peacock Cichlids are part of the Aulonocara genus, celebrated for their striking coloration and milder temperament compared to other Malawi cichlids. Males typically display the brightest colors, especially when mature or in breeding condition. These fish thrive in hard, alkaline water with plenty of rockwork and caves, but also need open areas to explore and display natural behavior. Perfect for tanks 55 gallons or larger, they do best in a species-only or Lake Malawi community setup. Feed them a high-quality cichlid pellet diet, supplemented with occasional frozen or live treats for optimal health and color. At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Golden Peacock Cichlids for sale and other Cichlid Fish for sale are tank-bred, grown, and sold with love and care. Visit our fish store online or aquarium in Virginia for more high-quality freshwater fish for sale. We have a lot more fish available for sale, such as betta fish for sale, aquatic plants for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, freshwater snails for sale, and other aquarium supplies. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH: Stunning Golden Coloration: Golden Peacock Cichlids are famous for their bright golden-yellow bodies, sometimes with subtle blue or metallic highlights. Males are especially vibrant and become even more colorful when mature or during breeding. Their brilliant look makes them a showpiece in any tank. Peaceful (for a Cichlid): Compared to other African cichlids, Golden Peacocks are more peaceful and less aggressive, making them easier to manage in a Malawi community tank. They're not overly territorial, but males may still show some dominance, especially during breeding. Great for African Cichlid Setups: They do best in hard, alkaline water, just like in Lake Malawi. Expect them to thrive in tanks with sand substrate, rocks, caves, and open swimming areas. They enjoy exploring and occasionally digging in the substrate. Hardy and Long-Lived: They’re tough fish that adapt well to aquarium life if water parameters are stable. With proper care, you can expect them to live 5–8 years, providing years of beauty and enjoyment. RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS: Temperature: 75 - 82°F (24 - 28°C) pH Range: 7.8 - 8.6 Hardness: 10 - 20 dGH (hard water) Tank Size: 55 gallons minimum. Larger tanks help reduce aggression and give room for swimming. Lighting: Moderate to Bright Filtration: Strong, high-quality filtration system. These fish produce waste - use a canister or HOB filter with good flow. CARE GUIDELINES: Diet: Golden Peacock Cichlids are omnivorous, meaning their diet includes both plant matter and protein. A varied diet ensures vibrant coloration and long-term health. Some recommended fish foods include high-quality flakes or pellets, live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. Feeding habits: Feed 1–2 times daily, offering only what they can finish within 2–3 minutes. Avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality, as they produce significant waste. Social behavior: Considered semi-aggressive but much less aggressive compared to other Malawi cichlids. Best kept in a mixed Lake Malawi community tank with other similarly peaceful peacocks or haps. Origin: Native to Lake Malawi in East Africa, specifically found around rocky habitats and sandy lake bottoms. Adapted to hard, alkaline water with high mineral content, typical of African Rift Lakes. Average adult size: Typically grow between 4–6 inches (10–15 cm), with males generally larger and more brightly colored than females. See more details on How to Care for Peacock Cichlids here. Golden Peacock Cichlids Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Are Golden Peacock Cichlids aggressive? Golden Peacock Cichlids are considered semi-aggressive, but they’re generally more peaceful compared to other Malawi cichlids. However, males can show territorial behavior, especially during breeding, so choose tank mates carefully. How big do Golden Peacock Cichlids get? Golden Peacock Cichlids typically reach an adult size of about 4 - 6 inches (10 - 15 cm), with males being slightly larger and more colorful than females. What tank mates are suitable for Golden Peacock Cichlids? They do best in tanks with other similarly-sized, relatively peaceful African cichlids, such as other Peacock species, certain Haplochromis, and peaceful Malawi species. 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