{"title":"Peacocks","description":"\u003cp\u003eAulonocara peacock cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"blue-neon-peacock","title":"Blue Neon Peacock","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aulonocara Astuartgranti\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Peacock Cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLife Expectancy:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 - 10 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lake Malawi, Africa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50 gallons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Tank Conditions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 78°F\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003epH Range: 7.0 - 8.0\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6 - 10\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Nutrition: Omnivore but it will eat mostly meaty foods. Provide them with a meaty diet; pellets, frozen and freeze-dried daphnia, bloodworms and brine shrimp are excellent choices. Avoid tubifex worms as they contribute to a disease called \"Malawi bloat.\" Shrimp mixes are also a good choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBreeding \u0026amp; Spawning:  Mouth brooder; should have their own breeding tank. A cichlid couple guarding their babies can be a force to reckon with and this aggression is acted out on other tank mates. A 100 gallon tank is suggested.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGender:\u003c\/strong\u003e Males are more colorful with the back part of their dorsal and anal fins being sharper. Females are drabber with darker vertical bars and rounded anal and dorsal fins.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"3\"","offer_id":54362901381413,"sku":null,"price":24.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/pt-blue-neon-peacock_382fa195-09fd-4dbb-a06a-66abc41e1fb6.jpg?v=1791955806"},{"product_id":"sunshine-peacock","title":"Sunshine Peacock Cichlid","description":"\u003cp\u003eCare at a glance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperature\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e77–84°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003epH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.5–8.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult size\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4.3 in\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is calmer than most rift-lake cichlids but males get territorial when breeding, so give it at least 240 liters and keep one male with several females. It works the lower and middle water, cruising the sand for food. Keep water hard and alkaline, pH 7.5 to 8.5, at 25 to 29 C. Feed quality cichlid pellets and flakes with occasional frozen brine shrimp, and skip foods heavy in mammal protein. House it with other peaceful-leaning peacocks rather than aggressive mbuna.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sunshine peacock comes from Lake Malawi in East Africa, where it lives over sand and rubble near rocky outcrops in fairly shallow water. The lake is hard and alkaline, and that's what your tank needs to match. Use a sand bottom it can dig in, some rock piles for structure, and open swimming space. Keep the water hard with a high pH, in the mid to high 20s C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood to know\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a Malawi cichlid in the family Cichlidae, one of the smaller Aulonocara peacocks at around 11 cm. Males show strong yellow and blue color while females stay plain brown. It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female holds fertilized eggs and fry in her mouth for a few weeks until they can fend for themselves. Wild populations are considered stable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDid you know\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAulonocara peacocks hunt by holding still over the sand and reading vibrations through sensory pores on the lower jaw and head, then darting down to grab small invertebrates buried just under the surface. That sensing system is why they spend so much time hovering low over open sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeekly picks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTank mates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSunshine peacock cichlid is a mostly peaceful, social species that keeps to the middle. These picks share a community profile with it, are safe together in both directions, and overlap on water type, temperature and pH.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"3\"","offer_id":54362898465061,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/pt-sunshine-peacock_e5979dbd-2977-42b8-8da7-1de485227726.jpg?v=1792036734"},{"product_id":"ruby-red-peacock-rubescens","title":"Ruby Red peacock - Rubescens","description":"\u003ch1\u003eRuby red peacock - Aulonocara rubescens\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScientific name: \u003cem\u003eAulonocara rubescens\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon name: \u003cstrong\u003eRuby red peacock\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamily: \u003cem\u003eCichlidae\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsual size in fish tanks: 10 - 12 cm (3.94 - 4.72 inch)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e014\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended pH range: 7.5 - 8.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended water hardness: 16 - 24°N (285.71 - 428.57ppm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e0°C 32°F30°C 86°F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended temperature range: 24 - 26 °C (75.2 - 78.8°F)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe way how these fish reproduce: Spawning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhere the species comes from: Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperament to its own species: peaceful\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTemperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUsual place in the tank: Middle levels\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFood and Feeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ruby Red Peacock (\u003cem\u003eAulonocara rubescens\u003c\/em\u003e) is an omnivore with a preference for high-quality meaty foods. A staple diet of quality flakes or cichlid pellets enriched with \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/en.aqua-fish.net\/articles\/vitamins-essential-rules-when-feeding-aquarium-fish\" target=\"_blank\"\u003evitamins\u003c\/a\u003e and minerals is essential. Supplement their diet with protein-rich treats such as \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/en.aqua-fish.net\/articles\/instructions-raising-brine-shrimp\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ebrine shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e, bloodworms, krill, and mysis shrimp. Feed small portions 2-3 times daily, ensuring all food is consumed to maintain water quality. Avoid feeding fatty or mammalian proteins like beef heart, as these can cause digestive issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/en.aqua-fish.net\/biotopes\/lake-malawi\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eLake Malawi\u003c\/a\u003e in Africa, the Ruby Red Peacock inhabits sandy-bottomed regions near rocky outcrops. These environments are characterized by clear, oxygen-rich water with stable parameters, providing ideal conditions for foraging and breeding. Replicating these conditions in aquariums helps ensure their health and natural behaviors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSexing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSexing \u003cem\u003eAulonocara rubescens\u003c\/em\u003e is straightforward. Males display vibrant orange to red coloration throughout their body, often highlighted by metallic blue or white accents. Females, by contrast, are drab grey or brown. It is best to keep one male with several females to minimize aggression and prevent hybridization. Avoid mixing different \u003cem\u003eAulonocara\u003c\/em\u003e species in the same tank to maintain genetic purity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRuby Red Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders. During breeding, the male establishes a territory and performs a vibrant courtship display to attract females. After spawning, the female collects the eggs in her mouth, where she incubates them for approximately 18-21 days. The male does not participate in rearing the young. Once the fry are released, they can be fed \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/en.aqua-fish.net\/articles\/instructions-raising-brine-shrimp\" target=\"_blank\"\u003enewly hatched brine shrimp\u003c\/a\u003e or finely crushed flakes. Providing a separate breeding or grow-out tank can improve fry survival rates by minimizing predation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith proper care, \u003cem\u003eAulonocara rubescens\u003c\/em\u003e can live 5-8 years. Their longevity depends on maintaining stable water conditions, providing a nutritious diet, and ensuring a stress-free environment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo replicate their natural habitat, set up an aquarium with a minimum size of 200 liters (~50 gallons) for a small colony. Include plenty of rock structures to create hiding places and territories while leaving open swimming areas, especially in the mid and bottom regions of the tank. Use a fine \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/en.aqua-fish.net\/articles\/advantages-aquarium-sand-instructions-discussion\" target=\"_blank\"\u003esand\u003c\/a\u003e substrate, as these cichlids enjoy sifting through it while foraging. Maintain the following water parameters for optimal health:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/en.aqua-fish.net\/articles\/reduction-increase-ph-aquarium-discussion-advice\" target=\"_blank\"\u003epH\u003c\/a\u003e: 7.5-8.5\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/en.aqua-fish.net\/articles\/measuring-altering-water-hardness-aquariums\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHardness\u003c\/a\u003e: 16-24°N (285.71-428.57 ppm)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/en.aqua-fish.net\/articles\/fish-tank-temperature-monitoring-setting-discussion\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTemperature\u003c\/a\u003e: 24-26°C (75.2-78.8°F)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/en.aqua-fish.net\/articles\/aquarium-filter-systems-pictures-aquarium-filters\" target=\"_blank\"\u003efiltration\u003c\/a\u003e and regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality and oxygenation. Avoid strong water currents, as these fish prefer moderate flow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Tankmates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRuby Red Peacocks are peaceful towards their own species but can display territorial aggression, especially toward smaller or similarly colored fish. Suitable tankmates include other peaceful Malawi cichlids of similar size, such as \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/en.aqua-fish.net\/fish\/deepwater-hap\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ePlacidochromis electra\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/en.aqua-fish.net\/fish\/afra\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCynotilapia afra\u003c\/a\u003e. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or boisterous species that may stress them. Providing visual barriers with rocks and caves can help reduce aggression and establish territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eShort Description\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ruby Red Peacock (\u003cem\u003eAulonocara rubescens\u003c\/em\u003e) is a vibrant and peaceful cichlid species from Lake Malawi. Known for their striking red and orange coloration, they thrive in well-structured aquariums with sandy substrates and ample hiding spaces. Their manageable size and calm demeanor make them a popular choice among aquarists. With proper care, they are a rewarding addition to any cichlid community tank.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"4\"","offer_id":54371472146725,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/IMG_1131.png?v=1793589812"},{"product_id":"strawberry-red-dragonblood","title":"Strawberry Red Dragonblood","description":"\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eThe dragon blood peacock is a \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#hybrid\" data-glossary-term=\"hybrid\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ehybrid\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e peacock \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/species\/cichlids\" data-inline-link=\"species\/cichlids\" class=\"text-mk-teal underline-offset-2 hover:underline\"\u003ecichlid\u003c\/a\u003e, solid pink to red with none of the blotching that marks an OB. It suits a hap and peacock community and is easy to keep.  The dragon blood peacock is also sold as the firefish peacock. That name collides with the marine firefish \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/species\/gobies\" data-inline-link=\"species\/gobies\" class=\"text-mk-teal underline-offset-2 hover:underline\"\u003egoby\u003c\/a\u003e, an unrelated saltwater fish. Search firefish on its own, and half the results are a reef fish with nothing to do with Lake Malawi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eCaring for the dragon blood peacock\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eGive a dragon blood peacock at least 63 gal (240 L), with plenty of swimming room. Set the tank up over sand and scattered rock, since it spends most of its time near the bottom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-4 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eKeep the water hard, alkaline, warm and stable, at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) and a \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#ph\" data-glossary-term=\"ph\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003epH\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e of 7.5 to 8.5. Its red is largely carotenoid based, and keepers report it deepening or fading with the color content of its food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-4 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eKeep one male with several females, or keep it with other robust Malawi fish. It is mostly peaceful, but leave out fin-nippers. It crosses readily with any pure peacock species, so skip it entirely if you keep pure Aulonocara lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-4 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eMales finish the reddest and show longer, pointed \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#dorsal-fin\" data-glossary-term=\"dorsal-fin\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003edorsal\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#anal-fin\" data-glossary-term=\"anal-fin\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003eanal fins\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Females carry more color than wild peacock females, so small fish are hard to sex. It is fully fertile and easy to breed. \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#spawn\" data-glossary-term=\"spawn\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003eSpawns\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e from this \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#hybrid\" data-glossary-term=\"hybrid\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ehybrid\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e line come out uneven, and breeders cull hard for even coverage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eGood to know\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eThe dragon blood peacock is a \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#hybrid\" data-glossary-term=\"hybrid\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ehybrid\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e line in the cichlid \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#genus\" data-glossary-term=\"genus\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003efamily\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, Cichlidae. Red covers its whole body, while in wild peacocks strong color belongs to dominant males and sits mostly on the fins and face. Shade varies widely between farms, and \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#albino\" data-glossary-term=\"albino\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ealbino\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e dragon bloods are sold as their own line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"mt-11\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"font-mk-serif text-[28px] leading-[1.1] text-pretty text-mk-heading\"\u003eIn the wild\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"mt-3 text-[16px] leading-[1.65] text-pretty whitespace-pre-line text-mk-body\"\u003eDragon bloods are a man-made Aulonocara line, and no such fish lives in Lake Malawi. Sellers list them as Aulonocara sp. or Aulonocara sp. \u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/tankbud.com\/glossary#hybrid\" data-glossary-term=\"hybrid\" class=\"underline decoration-mk-faint decoration-dotted decoration-1 underline-offset-4 outline-offset-2 hover:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:rounded-[2px] focus-visible:decoration-mk-teal focus-visible:outline-2 focus-visible:outline-mk-teal\"\u003ehybrid\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, because the cross behind them was never published. No breeder, country or decade is on record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"4\"","offer_id":54371548135717,"sku":null,"price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/IMG_1380.jpg?v=1793590228"},{"product_id":"blue-peacock","title":"Blue Peacock","description":"\u003cp\u003eBlue cichlids are often mistaken for another blue species of fish, the electric blue hap cichlid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the electric blue hap cichlid is less common than the blue cichlid, and the two species have different head shapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough there are some variations in blue cichlids, the fish are all characterized by a vibrant blue color. Stripes of a darker hue run from the gills to the tail fin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on the fish’s mood, especially during spawning season, the stripes on the male darken.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to changes brought by factors such as geographic location and molecular processes, there are several color variations of the blue cichlid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome blue cichlids have tinges of red along the anal fin and stripes with lighter shades of blue along the dorsal area.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe color patterns in cichlids affect how the fish choose their mates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale and female blue cichlids differ in appearance. Females have a less vibrant bluish gray color compared to the males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales have red and orange accents along their fins and a prominent white line that runs through the fish’s spine. Females have light yellow and blue accents.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYoung blue cichlids are gray, and as the fish mature, the cichlids start to develop the intense blue color. If a blue cichlid turns yellow, this is a sign of stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTypical Behavior\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue cichlids have aggressive tendencies. The males are more aggressive and territorial than the females.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAggressive tendencies lessen when the fish are able to exhibit dominance. Adding four females to the tank for every male is helpful in reducing aggression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue cichlids are fast swimmers that like to hide in between cracks and crevices. In the wild, male blue cichlids build cone-like structures in the sand to entice the females for spawning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlue Cichlid Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue cichlids are easy to care for as long as you provide the proper environment that the fish need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe only challenge in taking care of blue cichlids is to look for suitable tank mates because of the fish’s aggressive nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpace and hiding places are ideal to give the fish the territory that they need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue cichlids are carnivores and require food that is high in protein.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDisease\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue cichlids are a hardy fish species and they aren’t prone to disease. However, the fish can still get sick under poorly maintained conditions, or from eating a poor diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome of the diseases that can affect blue cichlids are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalawi Bloat\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMalawi bloat is typical in freshwater fish when dietary needs are not met. This disease is characterized by an enlargement of the abdominal area that can be seen from any angle. Feces turn whitish and the fish will spit out food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo treat Malawi bloat, isolate the affected fish in another tank. Make sure your water temperature is ideal and add 1\/8 teaspoon of Epsom salt to every five gallons of water for two weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/fishkeepingworld.com\/fish-ich\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e is a disease caused by parasites that occurs when the right water temperature isn’t met. It is also known as white spot disease and is characterized by the appearance of white nodules on the fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe window for treatment of ich is limited so you should constantly observe your fish for signs of this disease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo \u003ca rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/fishkeepingworld.com\/best-ich-treatment\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003etreat ich\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, increase water temperature to  80–85°F. Adding chemicals and salt to the water helps in treatment, too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHabitat and Tank Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn its natural habitat, the blue cichlid is accustomed to living in shallow, rocky shores, so you should simulate this in captivity by adding rocks to your tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMale blue cichlids build cone-like formations from sediments in the rocky areas where the fish are found.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReplicating this environment in a tank will help to make the fish feel at home and encourage breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Conditions\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue cichlids are powerful swimmers, so space is needed when taking care of the fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales are territorial and need lots of space to lessen the fish’s aggressive tendencies towards other males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA starting tank size should measure no less than 60 inches by 18 inches by 18 inches, with a capacity of at least 75 gallons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain a water temperature of 74–82°F with pH ranging from  7.5 to 8.5. Water hardness should be kept within a range of 10–25°dGH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlue cichlids are known to produce a lot of waste so it’s imperative that you get a good filtration system for your blue cichlid tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo simulate the fish’s natural environment, add a rocky, sandy substrate to the tank. Terracotta pots can be used as an alternative to rocks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMake sure that your fish have plenty of places to hide, because hiding is part of the blue cichlid’s natural behavior when in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Premier Tropicals","offers":[{"title":"4\"","offer_id":54372321362213,"sku":null,"price":29.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/files\/IMG_1129.jpg?v=1793598838"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1027\/6071\/0437\/collections\/pt-banner-peacocks.jpg?v=1792043389","url":"https:\/\/www.premiertropicals.com\/collections\/peacocks.oembed","provider":"Premier Tropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}