Fort Maguire Peacock
Aulonocara hansbaenschi
A stunning Lake Malawi Peacock cichlid known for the male's metallic blue body and vibrant red/orange flush behind the gills. Like all Aulonocara, they are benthivores (sand-sifters) that hunt small invertebrates using enlarged sensory pores on their lower jaw. They require hard, alkaline water and a fine sand substrate to exhibit natural behaviors without damaging their gills.
Fort Maguire Peacock At a Glance
Fort Maguire Peacock Tank Requirements
Will Fort Maguire Peacock fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Fort Maguire Peacock needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Fort Maguire Peacock against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Fort Maguire Peacock Water Parameters
Fort Maguire Peacock Temperament & Compatibility
Fort Maguire Peacock Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Fully colored males exhibit a striking metallic blue face and body with a brilliant red/orange patch. They are highly territorial towards other male Peacocks. In a mixed-gender setup, keep strictly one male per harem of females. In specialized 'all-male' setups, dense overstocking is required to disperse aggression.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Colored Peacock
Female / Unsexed Juvenile
Females and juveniles are a drab brown/grey with faint vertical barring. They lack the dazzling colors of the males but are significantly more peaceful. If breeding or keeping mixed genders, maintain a ratio of at least 3-4 females per male.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Drab, Female Peacock
Fort Maguire Peacock Care Guide Summary
The Fort Maguire Peacock, scientifically known as Aulonocara hansbaenschi, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 13 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Fort Maguire Peacock 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 Fort Maguire Peacock is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female / Unsexed Juvenile. 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.
Fort Maguire Peacock Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Fort Maguire Peacock, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level 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. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Fort Maguire Peacock Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Fort Maguire Peacock is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Fort Maguire Peacock Is Actually For
Fort Maguire Peacock is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Fort Maguire Peacock like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Fort Maguire Peacock Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Fort Maguire Peacock.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Maguire Peacock
How big does Fort Maguire Peacock get?
Fort Maguire Peacock (Aulonocara hansbaenschi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 13 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Fort Maguire Peacock need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Fort Maguire Peacock. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Fort Maguire Peacock need?
Fort Maguire Peacock 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 Fort Maguire Peacock peaceful or aggressive?
Fort Maguire Peacock 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 Fort Maguire Peacock live alone?
Yes, Fort Maguire Peacock can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Fort Maguire Peacock have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Fort Maguire Peacock benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Plants That Suit Fort Maguire Peacock
These plants pair well with Fort Maguire Peacock 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 Fort Maguire Peacock
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.
Orange Peacock
Aulonocara stuartgranti maleri
A stunning Lake Malawi cichlid prized for its vibrant coloration. As an Aulonocara species, they possess sensory pores on their lower jaw to detect prey in the sand. They are relatively peaceful for African cichlids (compared to Mbuna) but require hard, alkaline water, a sandy substrate, and plenty of rockwork. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism.
Yellow Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara baenschi
A striking Lake Malawi cichlid known for the male's vibrant yellow coloration and metallic blue face. As a 'Peacock' cichlid, they are benthic carnivores that require fine sand to sift for invertebrates. While considered one of the more mild-mannered African cichlids, they still require hard, alkaline water and careful management of aggression, usually via an all-male display tank or a harem structure.
Maison Reef Peacock
Aulonocara stuartgranti "Maison Reef"
A stunning African Cichlid from Lake Malawi's intermediate zones (sand/rock transitions). They are 'benthophagous' sand-sifters, requiring fine sand to hunt for invertebrates without damaging their gills. Like most Peacocks, they are highly sexually dimorphic and require hard, alkaline water (Rift Lake parameters).
Grant's Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara stuartgranti
A stunning endemic cichlid from Lake Malawi known as a 'Peacock'. They feature specialized sensory pores on their lower jaw to hunt small invertebrates in the sand. Requires hard, alkaline water and a soft sandy substrate to prevent damage to their gills during natural sifting behavior.
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
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.