| Size | 3" |
The Aulonocara nyassae "Pink"—more commonly referred to in the aquarium trade as the Strawberry Peacock, Dragon Blood Peacock, or Pink Dragon—is a highly popular, selectively line-bred color variant of the African Peacock Cichlid.
While the true biological species Aulonocara nyassae (the Emperor Cichlid) is natively blue and metallic brown, the vibrant pink, red, and deep orange hues found in the "Pink" variety are man-made hybrids bred explicitly for the aquarium hobby.
Appearance & Coloration
Males: Exhibit intense strawberry-pink, vibrant red, or bright neon-orange colors across their entire body. Their fins often feature dazzling blue or white iridescent highlights.
Females: Usually display a much more subdued, faded pink, cream, or silvery-gray color.
Adult Size: They typically grow to a maximum length of 5 to 6 inches (12 to 15 cm).
Aquarium Care Requirements
These fish are hardy and well-suited for both intermediate hobbyists and beginners who want to build a colorful community tank.
Tank Size: Minimum of 75 gallons (approx. 300 liters) to accommodate their swimming needs and territorial boundaries.
Water Parameters: They require hard, alkaline water mimicking Lake Malawi.
Temperature: 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
pH: 7.8 to 8.5
Hardness: 10 to 20 dGH
Aquarium Decor: A sandy substrate is highly recommended because Peacock cichlids naturally sift through the sand looking for food. Provide plenty of open swimming area alongside rocky structures and caves to help break lines of sight and manage territorial behavior.
Diet: As omnivores, they thrive on high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes. You can supplement their diet with occasional treats like frozen brine shrimp or daphnia, but avoid high-protein meaty foods which can cause a condition known as "Malawi Bloat".
Temperament & Tank Mates: They are relatively peaceful compared to other African cichlids (like Mbunas) but males will become aggressive when breeding. They are best kept in a "harem" setup (one male to multiple females) or alongside other similarly sized, peaceful Peacock or Haplochromine cichlids.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Size | 3" |
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