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Sunshine Peacock Cichlid

Aulonocara baenschi Meyer & Riehl, 1985

Also called New Yellow Regal Peacock, Yellow Regal Cichlid, Baensch's Peacock, Nkhomo-benga Peacock, Yellow Sunshine Peacock

SpeciesShort profile

From Endemic to the western shore of Lake Malawi, recorded at Nkhomo reef, Benga, Usisya, the Maleri Islands and Chipoka, over sand near rocks at about 2 to 16 m.123

At a glance the quick version

Length9 to 13 cm12
Lifespan10 years3
Sizesmall
Glowing yellow colour
Fairly peaceful
Males stay coloured year-round
23

Looks how to spot one

Compact peacock cichlid

A neat, rounded peacock with a steep, curved snout; males shine bright yellow with blue on the face.23

Coloursbright yellow bodyblue facial sheen (males)egg spots on male anal finfemales brownish32

Personality what they are like

Relaxed and peaceful for a Malawi cichlid; males stand their ground only against similar-looking fish.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Spends its day cruising low over sand, sifting it for food, and resting near rock piles.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Fine sand is important because it feeds by sifting; add rock piles and keep water clean with strong filtration.2

Home where they are happiest

At least 120 x 45 cm base (about 243 litres), 22 to 29 C, pH about 7.2 to 9.0 and 10 to 30 dGH.21

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Bottom-feeding carnivore; offer fine-grade quality foods plus small live or frozen chironomid larvae in 3 to 4 small meals a day.213

Company who they like around

One male with four to six females; good companions include peaceful haps such as Copadichromis and Placidochromis.2

The story where it all began

Lothar Meyer and Rüdiger Riehl described the species in 1985. Its name honours Ulrich Baensch, who created TetraMin flakes in 1955, and it is widely bred in aquaria.13

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    It is named after Ulrich Baensch, inventor of TetraMin, the first all-round dried fish food.1

  2. 2

    The genus name Aulonocara comes from Greek words for 'flute' and 'head', after the sensory pits on its head.1

  3. 3

    Males have egg-like spots on the anal fin that play a role in courtship.2

  4. 4

    Males keep their breeding colours all year.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List
Critically Endangered (assessed May 2018)1
Taxonomy
Described by Meyer and Riehl in 19851

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Sunshine Peacock Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Sunshine Peacock Cichlid?

Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This bottom-feeding carnivore does well with 3 to 4 small meals daily of fine-grade quality foods plus small live or frozen chironomid larvae. Always check the food label and ask your vet for exact amounts.213 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Sunshine Peacock Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?

It eats fine-grade quality foods and small live or frozen chironomid larvae as a bottom-feeding carnivore. Avoid any foods not suited for carnivores, and never feed it large or hard pellets that could harm its sifting behavior. For specific restrictions, consult your vet.213

How much space does a Sunshine Peacock Cichlid need?

It needs a tank with a base of at least 120 x 45 cm, which is about 243 litres. This gives it room to cruise over sand and rest near rock piles. A larger tank is even better for a group.21

What temperature, light or water does a Sunshine Peacock Cichlid need?

Keep the water at 22 to 29°C, with a pH of about 7.2 to 9.0 and hardness of 10 to 30 dGH. It enjoys cruising over sand and resting near rock piles, so provide fine sand and rock decor. Strong filtration is important to keep the water clean.21

How often should I clean a Sunshine Peacock Cichlid's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly water change of about 25% and weekly glass cleaning. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water. Test the water weekly to keep conditions stable. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Sunshine Peacock Cichlid live with others?

Yes, it is relaxed and peaceful for a Malawi cichlid. Keep one male with four to six females, and good companions include peaceful haps like Copadichromis and Placidochromis. Avoid similar-looking fish that might trigger male aggression.2

How long does a Sunshine Peacock Cichlid live?

With proper care, it can live up to 10 years. A good diet, clean water, and a suitable tank help it reach its full lifespan.3

Can I handle a Sunshine Peacock Cichlid?

It is best not to handle this fish, as it can cause stress and injury. It spends its day cruising and sifting sand, so let it enjoy its environment. Only handle it when absolutely necessary, like during tank transfers, and do so gently.21

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FishBase species summary: Aulonocara baenschi Meyer & Riehl, 1985 fishbase.seused for distribution, size, water parameters, diet, IUCN status, taxonomy
  2. Seriously Fish: Aulonocara baenschi Meyer & Riehl, 1985 seriouslyfish.comused for aquarium care, tank size, behaviour, diet, colours, breeding
  3. Wikipedia: Aulonocara baenschi Meyer & Riehl, 1985 en.wikipedia.orgused for common names, colours, history, fun facts (secondary)

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.