Edit Aulonocara hansbaenschi
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Name
Scientific name
Aulonocara hansbaenschi
Described by
Authority Meyer, Riehl & Zetzsche, Year 1987
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Red Shoulder Peacock
Photograph credits
All 4 credited
Summary
The red shoulder peacock, Aulonocara hansbaenschi, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, known from four localities on its southeastern shor…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
120mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 90 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 24–29°C, pH 7.4–9
Hardness
10–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
One male with several females
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Malawi, Mozambique, Lake Malawi, Lake Malawi - Fort Maguire, Lake Malawi - Mara Point, Lake Malawi - Masinje, Lake Malawi - Thumbi West Island
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Malawi where it's known from just four localities; Masinje (type locality), Fort Maguire, Mara Point and Thumbi West Island. All these are loca…
Habitat
Inhabits the so-called intermediate zones of the lake, where rocky shores give way to sandy bottoms with scattered rocks. At Masinje it has been observed to sh…
Aquarium size
Minimum base dimensions of 90 ∗ 45 cm or equivalent are recommended unless keeping the fish in smaller aquaria for breeding purposes.
Maintenance
Arrange some piles of rockwork around the tank but leave some open spaces between them and use fine sand as substrate so that it's able to feed naturally (see …
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Aulonocara spp. are benthophagous by nature, employing a method of feeding whereby mouthfuls of substrate are taken and sifted for edible items with the remain…
Behaviour and compatibility
A relatively peaceful species although males tend to act aggressively towards any fish with a similar colour pattern, so take care when selecting tankmates. Po…
Sexual dimorphism
Males are larger and more colourful than females.
Reproduction
Maternal mouthbrooder which will often spawn in a community set-up, but should be moved or maintained in a specific tank if the intention is to maximise yield.…
Notes
Some eminent authors believe this species to be a geographical variant of the highly variable congener A. stuartgranti rather than a distinct taxon but since m…
References
References
2 on this profile