Red Peacock Cichlid

The Red Peacock Cichlid (commonly belonging to the Aulonocara genus) is one of the most vibrant and sought-after freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. While some variants like the Ruby Red trace back to lines imported from Lake Malawi, many prominent red strains (such as the German Red or Eureka Red) are the result of careful selective line-breeding.

📋 Overview & Quick Specs

Common Names: Ruby Red, German Red, Eureka Red, Rubin Red, "Roter Kaiser".
Adult Size: 5 to 6 inches (12–15 cm), with males growing slightly larger than females.
Lifespan: 5 to 8 years with proper care.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive to peaceful (by African Cichlid standards). They are generally docile but will display territorial behavior during breeding seasons.

Aquarium Water Parameters & Tank Setup

Peacock cichlids require hard, alkaline water mimicking the African Rift Lakes.

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons for a small community group.
Water Temperature: 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
pH Range: 7.8 to 8.6.
Water Hardness: Hard to moderately hard (10–15 dH).
Substrate & Decor: Use sandy substrate because peacocks sift through sand for food. Provide ample rockwork and caves to build territories and give submissive fish a place to hide.

🍽️ Diet & Color Enhancement

Red Peacocks are omnivores with a heavy leaning toward proteins. Their diet directly affects the intensity of their red pigment.

Base Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes containing Spirulina.
Color Enhancers: Feed foods rich in krill, brine shrimp, and natural astaxanthin to bring out deep ruby reds.