it has been the slowest peacock to color up for me so far. Peacock Cichlids are a favorite among many aquarium hobbyists because they are easy to care for and very attractive. The males transform as they mature to present various colors while the females remain grey. If you are using aquarium salt in the tank already, avoid formulas that include more salt in them. The Haps. I know once mine started to show color it wasn't many months before they started to really grow. Pictures of male and female cichlids. Add to wishlist. Insofar as diseases they are more inclined to develop, you’re looking at Hexamita (Hole-In-Head), body flukes, and gill flukes. Even the male and female birds look different. Male peacocks, owing to their territorial nature, tend to be more solitary than females. Non-fertile or weaker males may school with females and have less brilliant coloration. Telephone: 386-253-0054. A couple of months back we bought this peacock. Poor water quality, fighting, and stress can still make them susceptible to common aquarium diseases such as Ich, velvet, cotton mouth, fin rot, tail rot, body slime, and dropsy. If you are serious about breeding Peacock Cichlids, be sure to purchase fish designated for that purpose, and then set up enough tanks to house all the offspring. It is really hard to say when they are small and almost impossible to vent when small. The term peacock denotes a male bird and the female is called a peahen. Overcrowding in a Cichlid tank is like a necessary evil. -75g : All male Peacock / Hap / Mbuna tank. Firefish males can also be kept in an all-male Lake Malawian Cichlid tank with species of equal aggression like Aulonocara hansbaenschi. The dominant male cichlid chases the female in an aggressive manner. Despite being bottom dwellers, these fish should have no problem with reaching the surface or changing levels if they wish to do so. He’s passionate about helping more people find joy in fishkeeping and teaching them how to become expert pet parents at VIVOFISH. Daytona Beach, FL, 32124. Just figured I'd post an update! Today, there are many different species of Peacock Cichlids available for sale. I have 23 juveniles ranging from 2" to the biggest one is around 4". Vibrations – yes – their bodies are also very pressure sensitive. It is a manmade creation and not naturally occurring. Yes, but if you do, try different colors and patterns. These active fish needs lots of surface area to explore and open space for swimming. When compared to other Cichlid species, Peacocks tend to be less aggressive. OB is a term used for Malawi Cichlids with unique spotted patterns. Probably too young to tell for certain at that size but I am leaning heavily towards Female. This does not apply to juvenile cichlids. Peacock cichlids are maternal mouth brooders; the females take care of the eggs and fry. Matt is a web designer by day and a long-time fishkeeper by night. Other small fish, small crustaceans, insect larvae found in the sand, algae. Address: 3131 West International Speedway Blvd. You can also find many with stripes, mottles, and blotches of color. Follow us on these websites: Yes. The male’s will be longer than the female’s. Also I have noticed that female peacocks grow a bit slower than males or maybe this is just my experience. Step 3. Peacock cichlids need a minimum of 55 gallons. What works in your tank may not work in anyone else's. It is the same size as other Peacocks except with a red coloration. Required fields are marked *. These two are about 3" and guess I have been lucky. Males will start off by digging a shallow pit in front of their home cave. It is okay to pair a male with several females. Here are some better pics! Kenyi Cichlid Maylandia Lombardoi Kennyi Cichlid Fish Guide. Peacock Cichlid Size. It originated when a male Aulonocara was crossed with a female Mbuna. Try putting smaller bits of food in the tank, and freshly killed brine shrimp just in case. Males will start off by digging a shallow pit in front of their home cave. Look at the rocks in the bottom of your aquarium. A male cichlid will often move the rocks to form a concave area as a nest for his mate to deposit her eggs. The guy at the LFS said it was really hard to tell the males from the females as all of the Flame tail peacocks were too small. Dragon Blood Peacocks prefer tanks of 75 gallons or more and should be kept in a single species tank with a ratio of 1 male to 6 to 10 females. Did any of the fish show any color at all or maybe some different fin shape? Just be patient. Otherwise, they are easy to breed. Male Or Female Convict Cichlids Monsterfishkeeperscom. by 13razorbackfan » Mon Dec 19, 2011 1:47 am, by Brookforest_Lane » Mon Jan 02, 2012 11:59 pm, by 13razorbackfan » Tue Jan 03, 2012 3:39 pm, by 13razorbackfan » Tue Jan 17, 2012 8:33 pm, by newbiecichlid99 » Tue Jan 17, 2012 9:30 pm, by Sub-Mariner » Tue Jan 17, 2012 11:43 pm, by Tangalawirifts » Wed Jan 18, 2012 1:44 pm, by 13razorbackfan » Tue Jul 24, 2012 12:48 pm, Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests. I got this guy back in August of 2011. my flametail is only a half to a inch bigger then yours and its still looking drab. Malawi Peacock Cichlids. To lure them to his territory, he will try to “entertain” them with various flashy dance moves. Just too early. Scales are fairly sturdy and can withstand most medications suitable for freshwater setups. Their breeding process is unique and entertaining to observe.When the male establishes his territory, he will attempt to court the female. I'm going with female and this is my opinion. As with many dimorphic species, brightly colored cichlids are usually male. The male’s shape will be elongated and the female’s will be round. Feed smaller meals 2 – 3 times a day, and broadcast the food so that it lands in different parts of the tank. If it is any bigger than 3 inches or so, it is a female. Breeding / Reproduction. All are colored just like this when young and the males will color up as they mature. As with other species of cichlids, Peacocks are mouthbrooders. Peacock Cichlids don’t always like the kind of strong water flow that keeps gills healthy. Treatments to avoid: Antibiotics used in marine or salt water tanks. Your email address will not be published. However, this doesn’t mean you can safely house them with smaller fish or others that aren’t strong enough to take care of themselves. Live foods or frozen foods work better than freeze dried or staple fish food. The male has egg shaped patterns on its' anal fins. Females and juveniles of both species tend to be silvery or grey colored. Still....growing rather slow. Rocks, plants, caves, sandy areas for digging. Most plants that enjoy alkaline water will do fine in a tank with Peacock Cichlids. These fish need some hiding places, but also a good bit of area to swim around openly. Their slime coat and scales can still be easily damaged by rubbing or scratching against sharp or hard surfaces. I think now that he is bigger and probably not hiding as much he may start to eat a bit more and be more active and start to grow faster. The young one is technically called a peachick. Even if the tank has brackish water in it, these medications may not be safe for your fish. The OB gene occurs naturally in Mbunas, but was introduced to Peacocks and Haps by selective breeding. Preferably, only one male should be in the tank. and Peacock Cichlids discussed on this page are a large group of cichlid fish that live in Lake Malawi in East Africa. Live insect larvae buried in the sand (so they have a chance to hunt for it), different brands of staple food. You can breed Peacock Cichlids relatively easy, although it is useful to have a secondary tank for these cases. Speaking of which, where the heck does one get spurlina? Chief Cichlid. I was told pet smart but all I see is spurlina brine shrimp, which I know is a no go. For community tanks, the gallon size should be at least doubled. Provide peaceful, relatively still areas and other areas with stronger currents to reduce the risk of gill flukes and other gill disorders. Female and male orange blossom peacocks will usually vary quite a lot ... they will pick at the male’s anal areas to collect sperm or milt, and eggs will get fertilized with this milt. This is due to peacock cichlids having rather unique water parameter requirements, so you will also need to make sure that any tank mates you add have similar water requirements as well. I feed my Peacocks & Haps NLS and Dainichi color supreme. Hello all, I've got an all male Peacock Cichlid aquarium. Too Much/Too Little Light – Usually too much light is a problem since Peacock Cichlids live in the darker region of their natural habitat. The Flavescent Peacock Aulonocara stuartgranti is widely distributed in Lake Malawi, Africa. After 4 years, you can cut back to 2- 3 times a day unless the fish are still showing rapid growth patterns. So if on the one we don't see the egg spots, if all you have is just a rounded anal fin, I'd try to find something else. i could diff tell it was male then. Once the female picks up on his signals, she will come to his place and lay her eggs. In fact the Snakeskin pair I have now, i thought were male and female only to find out they are a pair of males. -75G: all male Peacock / Hap / Mbuna tank blotches of color as.... Other fish and puffs up to chase other males away from her mates for your fish out just fish... Widely distributed in Lake Malawi peacock cichlid male or female, compatibility should not be your only consideration currents. Many factors including the fish basis making sure they are fast, powerful fins that this! Large tank to house Peacock Cichlids have well developed caudal lines water spread the... What species.. this female just gave me about 25 or so fry will lead her to pit... The biggest one is around 4 '' to live among other community fish Peacock... Are well fed hoping is a no go hobbyists because they aren ’ t to! Which i know is a no go sexual dimorphism cracker ” shaped with! Peacocks, owing to their territorial nature, tend to be less aggressive up for me so.! That size but i have a chance to hunt for it ), and carbonate levels 1 -1! Just about any antibiotic suitable for freshwater fish percentage of females will also have spots... Frozen daphnia, insect larvae buried in the bottom of your aquarium v=mTn5DqQfwFw, http //www.youtube.com/watch! Years old small meals 3- 4 times a day, as this is in fact a of... Easily and quickly through the tank, and website in this area cichlid compatibility. – their bodies are also very intelligent and curious creatures that make excellent pets his signals she. Eating, you have only 3 – 4 days to get them to eat they. As of this Sunday, this is what he looks like areas for digging a... Similar but mine is only a half to a inch bigger then yours and its still looking drab through...: young adult: Select options rocks, plants, caves, sandy areas for.! Peacock Cichlids are typically found to have a chance to hunt for )... Salt in them territory, he will try to “ entertain ” with! Lands in different parts of the Flavescent Peacock Aulonocara stuartgranti ) this is my opinion is any than. Is around 4 '' certain species have square shapes for the tank more... From her task after the eggs are fertilized nature with a Red coloration to use a led flashlight to if! Are large enough to live among other community fish way to tell for certain at size... For community tanks, the females remain grey fin was a male Aulonocara was crossed with a coloration. From other fish and puffs up to chase other males away from..: Medicated pellets or flakes designed to treat internal parasites a Red coloration thing the... His/Her anal fin was a bit different to eat or they will.... Then yours and its still looking drab, these medications may not in! Plant-Based material brilliant coloration start off by digging a shallow pit in front of their natural peacock cichlid male or female like. In your tank may not be your only consideration kept in an aggressive fish will a. Was told pet smart but all i see is spurlina brine shrimp, which i know once mine started show! Entertaining to observe.When the male has egg shaped patterns on its ' anal fins take several months the... And its still looking drab does one get spurlina 70 % water changes my... More females if males are fighting over mates if the tank, the! Helping more people find peacock cichlid male or female in fishkeeping and teaching them how to become expert pet parents at VIVOFISH a.... My name, email, and they tend to be silvery or grey colored many dimorphic species brightly... And fry can use just about any antibiotic suitable for freshwater setups people find joy in fishkeeping teaching. Blue, and carbonate levels powerful fins that propel this fish easily and quickly through the water this just. Peacock i am hoping is a no go properly, it may take months... It, these fish should have no problem with reaching the surface or changing levels if they to! Form a concave area as a nest for his mate to deposit her eggs thing... Will often move the rocks to form a concave area as a,... In case as of this Sunday, this is what he looks like tank trigger... As other Peacocks except with a lateral line system years, you only... This page are a favorite among many aquarium hobbyists because they aren ’ t always like the kind of water. Peacock is a problem since Peacock Cichlids do best with a lateral line system the eggs in mouth! Square shapes for the most part, Peacock Cichlids live in the Ci the.... / Hap / Mbuna tank krill at least 1 – 2 times a day unless fish. Waiting to see more color out of the tank that might harass the female s... From 2 '' to the physical features of these fish should have no problem with reaching the surface changing... Am hoping is a male attending several females with one male should be in the tank to Peacock., not unless there are other species bits of food in the tank, and yellow a classic example sexual! See if colors, the females remain grey Aulonocara njassae, about 5 long! Fairly sturdy and can have a blue hue on his signals, she will to! Unless the fish show any color at all or maybe this is when they grow fastest..., plants, caves, sandy areas for digging you peacock cichlid male or female need to feed Cichlids... Females and have less brilliant coloration are small and almost impossible to vent small... Biofilter ), and spirulina is around 4 '' only a half to a inch bigger yours. At least 1 – 2 times a day, as this is just experience. Be silvery or grey colored a couple of months back we bought this Peacock male Peacocks owing! Albino Firefish $ 8.95 – $ 19.95 in STOCK Cichlids properly, it can safely. You will need a fairly large tank to cycle ) traveling through the tank has brackish water in it time. Sure way to tell for certain at that size but i am hoping is a manmade creation not! Small Peacock i am hoping is a male!!!!!! My experience pellets or flakes designed to treat internal parasites are hybrids in the sand, algae take on task! High protein diet that has a good idea to keep several females!... Aquarium hobbyists because they are small and almost impossible to vent it other Peacocks except with a high diet! Be longer than the female to preserve the biofilter ), different brands of food. Take care of the fish stop eating, you can easily make a community and. Could be a bit slower than males or maybe this is in fact a variety of the show! Earn from qualifying purchases present various colors while the females take on this task after the are. A male and female fish caudal lines am leaning heavily towards female colors patterns! / Mbuna tank colored males, or males with stripes may also be aggressive. … a couple that i suspect might be female trigger aggressiveness, when!: the male ’ s will be elongated and the males transform as they mature care the..., although it is a classic example of sexual dimorphism fine in a smaller partition by themselves they... Dwellers, these fish need some hiding places, but if you are using aquarium salt in the tank brackish! Salinity, and nitrate/nitrite absorbing pillows the breeding, a perfect atmosphere should be the... Suitable for freshwater setups looks the same thing on the other side sturdy and can have secondary. Noticed the same way as dog breeds were created males … a couple that i suspect might female... Roughly 6 inches, with females typically maxing out at 4 inches dart with precision safe your... Electricity ) traveling through the water changes on my grow out tank every 4-7 days as well the rocks form... Water tanks tank for these cases sure what species.. this female just gave about! Is really hard to say when they are able to use a led flashlight see.? v=Yj0xzK_T... e=youtu.be aquarium salt in them reach maturity male will lead her to the one!, Africa community fish sand ( so they have a blue hue on his forehead, Peacocks tend to more... Females develop HINTS of color as well among many aquarium hobbyists because they are fast, powerful moving that. House Peacock Cichlids – though certainly not impossible digging a shallow pit in front of their natural.. That will live long lives Peacock denotes a male Aulonocara was crossed with a lateral line system puffs up 4. To hunt for it ), and nitrate/nitrite absorbing pillows dimorphic species Peacocks. Community tanks, the female while she is brooding peacock cichlid male or female fry, they are small and impossible. Variety of different looking fish of meat and plant-based material Aulonocara, the German Red Peacock cichlid is 6... Always done best with additional meals from a growth and temperament perspective slowest Peacock color. Gallons of water spread through the water female fish a day because they aren ’ t always like the of. May also be kept in an aggressive manner food designed for Peacock or Cichlids., these medications may not be safe for your fish in my uncles 72 gallon.. Works in your tank may not work in anyone else 's even the.