If you’re keeping African cichlids, chances are you’ve run into the “peacock” group at the pet store. In casual hobbyist talk, “peacock cichlid list” usually refers to “peacock cichlids”—the colorful Aulonocara species from Lake Malawi that are prized for their shimmering, tropical-fish-level coloration and relatively calm personalities compared to mbuna.
Below is a curated, easy-to-read peacock cichlid list that highlights popular peacock cichlids in the hobby, along with key traits like size, color, origin, and tankmate compatibility. Keep in mind that exact common names can vary between stores and breeders. This list focuses on commonly recognized peacock species and trade names rather than every obscure locale variant.
Quick-Reference Peacock Cichlid List
Most of the fish below are alluring aquarium cichlids, though wild-origin traits can still vary by source like SunSun 402 AirPump. When in doubt, ask your seller for the scientific name and locality.
| Common Name(s) | Scientific Name | Range | Mature Size | Notable Trait |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aulonocara “Peacock Cichlid” (general/enhanced strains) | Aulonocara spp. (various) | Lake Malawi (varies) | 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) | Wide variety of colors in the hobby; often line-bred and selectively enhanced |
1. Aulonocara jacobfreibergi (Fairy Cichlid / Eureka Red Peacock)
Also called Freiberg’s peacock or Fairy Cichlid, jacobfreibergi is one of the most familiar peacocks in the hobby. Males develop yellow, orange, or red dorsal coloration with red or sky-blue fins depending on locality. Females are silvery-gray.
Size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm).
Behavior: Moderately territorial, especially males; best kept haremic (1 male with several females) in larger tank setups.
2. Aulonocara stuartgranti (Peacock Cichlid / Stuart Grant’s Peacock)
Aulonocara stuartgranti is a widely used name in the hobby for many color variants. Depending on the specific population or tank grade, males are often bright blue, yellow, orange, or flame.
Size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm).
Trade versions: You may see “blue peacock,” “orange peacock,” “sunshine peacock” etc. under this umbrella.
3. Aulonocara baenschi (Yellow Regal / Sunshine Peacock)
A fan favorite due to its brilliant golden to banana-yellow males. Often sold as Sunshine Peacock or Yellow Regal. Very impactful in a community African cichlid tank when contrasting darker or blue species.
Size: 4.5–5.5 inches (11–14 cm).
Behavior: Generally calmer than mbuna, though males can be persistent breeders.
4. Aulonocara hansbaenschi (Red Shoulder Peacock)
Another striking form offered as Red Shoulder peacock. Males often display intense red/orange with bluish tones in the dorsal area.
Size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm).
Note on naming: Hobby taxonomy doesn’t always match scientific consensus; verify with your local Malawi cichlids for details from reputable dealers.
5. Aulonocara stonemani
Typically blue with bold vertical striping towards the rear of the body. Often duller at rest but shows intense blue when displaying. Very “classic” peacock shape.
Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm).
Behavior: Peaceful for a rock-dwelling Malawi fish; often shy unless dominant in the group.
6. Aulonocara koningsi
Blues and dark bars with subtle elegance. More conservative coloration compared to a Sunshine, but beautiful with the right rockwork and lighting. Sometimes called “Konings’ Peacock” after the ichthyologist Ad Konings.
Size: 5–6 inches (12–15 cm).
Temperament: Calm but will spar with similar-shaped males; needs a well-decorated tank to reduce line-of-sight aggression.
7. Aulonocara Blue Regal Peacock (Linebred Trade Form)
The “Blue Regal Peacock” is a linebred form selected for intense cobalt to electric-blue males. Might be A. stuartgranti, A. baenschi, or hybrids in the hobby.
Size: 4.5–5.5 inches (11–14 cm).
Tip: Offer subdued lighting alongside slightly more intense LED to enhance blues without stressing fish.
8. Aulonocara species “Tangerine” / Suffredin Cupriventer / Trade Oranges
A. “Tangerine” types can be bright orange, copper, or orange-barred. May include misidentified peacock cichlids sold under general trade names.
Size: 4.5–5.5 inches (11–14 cm).
Caution: Differentiating Aulonocara from look-aliked Cichlidae and similar rock-dwellers can be tricky’ll often need reliable sources such as Malawi cichlid specialists if exact identification matters.
What Defines a Peacock Cichlid in the Hobby?
For most aquarists, a “peacock cichlid” is “any Aulonocara fish widely sold as peacock cichlids, not only the species that ichthyologists, but also veterinarian-approved species for exotic fish. For cichlids hobbyists, cichlids is very important.
Key traits across most peacocks:
- Coloration differences between sexes; males are usually flashy.
- Body shape: elongated cylindrical, broader forehead.
- Behavior: less hyper-territorial than mbuna, but still needs space and structure.
- Diet: small invertebrates in nature; in captivity, a mix of quality pellets and occasional frozen foods works well.
Using This Peacock Cichlid List for Stocking
When using any peacock cichlid list for stocking plans, consider:
- Bioload: 45–75 gallon tanks minimum for small groups; overstocking is often used in Malawi setups to diffuse aggression, though this requires higher-quality filtration.
- Sex ratio: When and where possible, keep 1 male per tank and the rest females to reduce violence.
- Territory structure: Use rocks and caves to break sightlines, even with less aggressive Aulonocara. Territorial space matters just as much as species.
On the other side, do not overcrowd without upgrading filtration, and avoid mixing hyper-aggressive haps such as aggressive, hyper-aggressive “red Victorian” hap.
Brief Care Guidelines Based on the Peacock List
Use these quick care notes to apply any cichlids sold under similar trade names from known Malawi cichlids specialists to your setup:
- Water hardness & pH: Hard, alkaline water—typically pH 7.6–8.6, GH 10–20.
- Temperature: 76–82 °F (24–28 °C). Avoid chronic high heat.
- Diet: Quality cichlid pellets as base; use blanched veggies or Spirulina for blood health. Avoid mammalian protein (beef heart, etc.).
- Tank setup: Open swimming areas mixed with rock piles; fine gravel or crushed coral.
- Maintenance: Weekly partial water changes; overstocked Malawi cichlid systems need more frequent wets, test kits, and big filters.
Hobby Notes on Naming and Identification
The “peacock cichlid list” remains a bit murky because hobby lines, hybrid, and selectively bred show fish are commonplace. A fish labeled “Red Peacock Stripe” in one store might be a different locality or mix in another.
If you care about scientific accuracy or line conservation:
- Buy from sources that provide scientific names, often importers specializing in Malawi cichlids.
- Be cautious with extremely cheap or highly linebred color morphs.
- For breeding, try to keep lines localized to your home or other ethical keepers.
From Sunshine Peacock Aulonocara baenschi and jacobfreibergi to darker .
Finally, any “peacock cichlid list” is a starting point, not a final authority. If you’re building a specific Lake Malawi biotope-themed aquarium, dig deeper into your chosen trade names origins. Ask your importer for their true sources. Cross-reference books and ichthyological papers where possible.
For most community-Malawi keepers, though, using this peacock cichlid list as a shopping and stocking guide will help you get a great-looking, active, and fairly peaceful cichlid display.
