The peacock cichlid is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family and one of the African cichlids. Peacock cichlids are friendly, active fish that come in vivid colours of purple, yellow, red, and orange. There are more than 20 peacock cichlid color variations. The two common types of peacock cichlid are the red peacock cichlid and the blue peacock cichlid.
In the wild, peacock cichlids are active, skillful swimmers, and are commonly found in the shallows and shores of their habitat. Lake Malawi has a sandy, rocky substrate, with clear waters, and freshwater plants like eelgrass. The lake is densely populated with a variety of colourful fish.
Fully-grown peacock cichlids reach up to 6 inches long. Male peacock cichlids grow up to 1 inch longer than females, and females have rounder bellies than males. When properly cared for, peacock cichlids live for between six and eight years in captivity. Some peacock cichlids live beyond 10 years.
Peacock cichlids are sociable, active fish that are compatible with most other freshwater aquarium fish. Cramped tank conditions and too many males versus females can cause peacock cichlids to exhibit aggressive territorial behaviors like chasing, nipping, and fighting.
Peacock cichlids are fast swimmers and require plenty of open space in the bottom and mid-sections of the tank. They’re also diurnal, meaning that they’re active during the day and rest during the night. Peacock cichlids eat and sleep at the bottom of the tank near the substrate.
The ideal tank conditions for peacock cichlids are:
Water type: Hard alkaline freshwater
Tank size: Minimum 55 gallons, or 100 gallons for a group of fish
Water temperature: 76–72°F
Substrate: Sand or soft gravel
Tank setup: Plants, caves, hollow decorations
Acidity: 7.7–8.4 pH
Water hardness: 4–6 dGH
Filter: Yes. Peacock cichlids require large tanks and produce a lot of waste, so a strong filter is essential for cleaning the tank
Bubbler: Not essential for peacock cichlids
Lighting: Yes, to stimulate lighting and encourage plant growth
Water heater: Yes, to ensure water is warm enough for the fish