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.
Grant's Peacock Cichlid At a Glance
Grant's Peacock Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Grant's Peacock Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Grant's Peacock Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Grant's Peacock Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Grant's Peacock Cichlid Water Parameters
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Grant's Peacock Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Grant's Peacock Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Standard / Location Morphs)
Brightly colored display males (blue, yellow, and red depending on the natural collection location). Highly territorial towards other male Peacocks. In a mixed African cichlid tank, keeping only one male per species/color pattern is recommended to prevent severe aggression.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Cobue, Ngara, Usisya, Chilumba, Red Flush
Female
Camouflaged drab grey or brown coloration. Significantly more peaceful than males. If keeping mixed sexes, they must be kept in harems (3-4 females per male) to disperse the male's relentless breeding harassment.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Unsexed Juvenile, Drab
Grant's Peacock Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Grant's Peacock Cichlid, scientifically known as Aulonocara stuartgranti, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 13 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 Grant's 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 Grant's Peacock Cichlid is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male (Standard / Location 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.
Grant's Peacock Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Grant's 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. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Grant's Peacock Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Grant's 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.
Grant's Peacock Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Grant's 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 Grant's Peacock Cichlid
How big does Grant's Peacock Cichlid get?
Grant's Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara stuartgranti) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 13 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Grant's Peacock Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Grant's Peacock Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Grant's Peacock Cichlid need?
Grant's 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 Grant's Peacock Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Grant's 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 Grant's Peacock Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Grant's Peacock Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Grant's Peacock Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Grant's Peacock Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Grant's Peacock Cichlid
These plants pair well with Grant's 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 Grant's 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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.