One of the most colorful and slightly more aggressive Peacock cichlids from Lake Malawi. They are obligate sand-sifters that search for benthic invertebrates. They require hard, alkaline water and plenty of rocky caves. Like most Aulonocara, they exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism.
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid At a Glance
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Butterfly Peacock Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Butterfly Peacock Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Butterfly Peacock Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Butterfly Peacock Cichlid Water Parameters
Water care products
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Butterfly Peacock Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Show / Color Morphs)
Boasts spectacular, highly variable coloration (vibrant reds, yellows, and blues depending on locality) with pronounced white dorsal edges. Highly territorial toward conspecific males. Best kept as a solitary male in a mixed, all-male peacock tank, or as a single male with a harem of females.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Eureka Red Male, Undu Reef, Otter Point, Standard
Female
Drab silver, brown, or grey coloration. Significantly more peaceful than males. If keeping a breeding group, strict harems of 3 to 4 females per single male are required to disperse his aggressive mating behavior.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Drab, Unsexed Juvenile
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Butterfly Peacock Cichlid, scientifically known as Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 15 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Butterfly Peacock Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.8–8.6 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Butterfly Peacock Cichlid is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male (Show / Color Morphs) and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Butterfly Peacock Cichlid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Butterfly Peacock Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Butterfly Peacock Cichlid.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
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Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfly Peacock Cichlid
How big does Butterfly Peacock Cichlid get?
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara jacobfreibergi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 15 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Butterfly Peacock Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Butterfly Peacock Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Butterfly Peacock Cichlid need?
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.8 and 8.6, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Butterfly Peacock Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Butterfly Peacock Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Butterfly Peacock Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Butterfly Peacock Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Butterfly Peacock Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Butterfly Peacock Cichlid
These plants pair well with Butterfly Peacock Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Java Moss
Taxiphyllum barbieri
Fish Similar to Butterfly Peacock Cichlid
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Aulonocara sp.
Endemic to Lake Malawi, Peacock Cichlids are highly sought after for the breathtaking colors of the males. They are benthivorous, using sensory pores on their jaws to hunt small invertebrates in the sand. While territorial, they are generally peaceful compared to their aggressive Mbuna cousins. They require hard, alkaline water and a sandy substrate to prevent gill damage while sifting.
Malawi Hawk
Aristochromis christyi
A large, specialized predatory cichlid native to Lake Malawi, commonly known as the 'Malawi Hawk'. It has a distinctive laterally compressed beak-like jaw and hunts by tilting forward to ambush prey. It is a formidable piscivore that will swallow any fish small enough to fit in its mouth. Best kept in a large Hap/Peacock setup with similarly sized, robust tank mates.
Malawi Eyebiter
Dimidiochromis compressiceps
A large, highly specialized predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. Named for its legendary habit of biting the eyes out of prey (though it mostly swallows smaller fish whole), it features an extremely compressed body used to camouflage among reeds before ambushing its target. Males turn brilliant metallic blue, while females remain silver.
Trout Cichlid (Champsochromis)
Champsochromis caeruleus
A massive, fast-swimming predatory cichlid from Lake Malawi, often called the 'Malawi Trout' due to its streamlined, torpedo-like body. They are pursuit predators that require enormous tanks with a massive footprint for open swimming. Not highly aggressive for a Malawi cichlid, but their sheer size and piscivorous nature mean they will instantly consume any fish that fits in their large mouths.
Azureus Cichlid
Copadichromis azureus
A stunning open-water 'Utaka' cichlid from Lake Malawi. Males develop a spectacular metallic blue coloration, making them popular centerpieces in African Cichlid tanks. Compared to rock-dwelling Mbuna, they are relatively peaceful open-water swimmers but still require ample swimming space and hard, alkaline water.
Bumblebee Cichlid
Pseudotropheus crabro
A robust and highly aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They are famous for their rapid color changes; while females and juveniles boast striking yellow and black 'bumblebee' bars, dominant males turn almost completely pitch black. In the wild, they are opportunistic feeders that clean parasites from large catfish and steal their eggs.