The Strawberry Peacock is a vibrant selectively bred Malawi cichlid with intense red-orange coloration and a peaceful temperament, ideal for cichlid tanks.
Overview
Aulonocara sp. Orchid Red, commonly known as the Strawberry Peacock, is one of the most visually striking selectively bred Aulonocara forms. This fish does not occur in the wild and was developed through targeted breeding of several Aulonocara species from Lake Malawi. Its main appeal is the rich red-orange body coloration, which becomes especially vivid in mature males. Females are considerably more subdued, displaying greyish-pink tones.
Adults reach 10–12 cm in length and live 5–7 years with proper care. Despite its artificial origin, this fish retains typical Aulonocara behavior: a calm disposition, the habit of sifting sand for food, and maternal mouthbrooding. Thanks to its peaceful nature and moderate care requirements, it is an excellent choice for aquarists looking to build a colorful Malawi tank.
Tank Requirements
A group of one male and 2–3 females needs an aquarium of at least 150 liters. Water parameters: temperature 24–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5, hardness GH 10–15. Like all Malawi cichlids, the Strawberry Peacock requires efficient filtration and stable water conditions.
Use fine sand as substrate — Aulonocara actively sift through it while foraging, and coarse gravel can damage their gills. Decorate with rock formations creating caves and hiding spots, but leave plenty of open swimming space. Driftwood is best avoided as it acidifies the water, which is unsuitable for Malawi cichlids. For plants, use hardy species like Anubias and Java fern attached to rocks.
Feeding and Diet
Despite its selective breeding origins, the Strawberry Peacock's dietary needs are typical for the genus — it is a micro-predator that feeds on small invertebrates. In the aquarium, high-quality cichlid pellets should form the staple diet. Supplement with frozen foods: brine shrimp, bloodworms, cyclops, and daphnia.
Feed 1–2 times daily in small portions consumed within 2–3 minutes. Overfeeding is dangerous — it leads to obesity and digestive problems. A weekly fasting day is beneficial. Quality and varied nutrition directly affects color intensity — a poor diet will cause the bright red tones to fade noticeably.
Care and Maintenance
Weekly water changes of 25–30% are essential for keeping Malawi cichlids healthy. Vacuum the substrate regularly to remove food waste and debris. Monitor water parameters with test kits: ammonia and nitrites must be at zero, nitrates below 20 mg/l.
Watch for signs of illness — loss of appetite, faded coloration, lethargy, or abdominal swelling may indicate Malawi bloat, a common condition in Malawi cichlids. Prevention is straightforward: clean water, stable parameters, and a balanced diet. At the first signs of disease, immediately check water quality and adjust conditions.
Compatibility
The Strawberry Peacock is one of the most peaceful Malawi cichlids. It coexists well with other Aulonocara species such as the Emperor Cichlid and Malawi Butterfly, as well as peaceful mbuna like the Yellow Lab.
Avoid housing with aggressive species — the Golden Mbuna or Zebra Mbuna will stress and dominate the peaceful Aulonocara. Do not keep multiple males together in a small tank, as conflicts are inevitable. The ideal setup is a harem of one male with several females.
Breeding
Like all Aulonocara, Aulonocara sp. Orchid Red is a maternal mouthbrooder. The male clears a patch of sand or selects a flat rock where he performs a courtship dance, showing off his vibrant coloration. After spawning, the female collects the fertilized eggs in her mouth and incubates them for 18–21 days.
During incubation the female does not eat, so she should be well-fed before spawning. To improve fry survival, consider moving the brooding female to a separate tank. The released fry are fairly large — starter foods include baby brine shrimp and finely crushed flakes. Keep in mind that offspring of selectively bred forms may vary in coloration, and not all fry will inherit the bright red color of their parents.