{"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","url":"https:\/\/www.premiertropicals.com\/products\/ruby-red-peacock-rubescens","provider":"Premier Tropicals","version":"1.0","type":"link"}