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).
Maison Reef Peacock At a Glance
Maison Reef Peacock Tank Requirements
Will Maison Reef Peacock fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Maison Reef Peacock needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Maison Reef Peacock against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Maison Reef Peacock Water Parameters
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Maison Reef Peacock Temperament & Compatibility
Maison Reef Peacock Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Show Color)
Exhibits brilliant metallic blue and sometimes yellow coloration. Highly territorial towards conspecifics and other similarly-colored cichlids. Usually kept as a single male in a harem of females, or in a carefully balanced 'All-Male Peacock/Hap' display tank.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Blue Peacock
Female / Unsexed Juvenile
Females and juveniles share a drab silver/brown/grey coloration. They are significantly more peaceful and are typically kept in harems of 3-4 females per male to disperse his breeding aggression.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Drab Peacock, Female Cichlid, Harem
Maison Reef Peacock Care Guide Summary
The Maison Reef Peacock, scientifically known as Aulonocara stuartgranti "Maison Reef", 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 Maison Reef 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 Maison Reef Peacock is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male (Show Color) 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.
Maison Reef Peacock Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Maison Reef Peacock, 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.
Maison Reef Peacock Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Maison Reef Peacock 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.
Maison Reef Peacock Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Maison Reef Peacock.
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 Maison Reef Peacock
How big does Maison Reef Peacock get?
Maison Reef Peacock (Aulonocara stuartgranti "Maison Reef") 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 Maison Reef Peacock need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Maison Reef Peacock. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Maison Reef Peacock need?
Maison Reef 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 Maison Reef Peacock peaceful or aggressive?
Maison Reef 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 Maison Reef Peacock live alone?
Yes, Maison Reef Peacock can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Maison Reef Peacock have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Maison Reef Peacock 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 Maison Reef Peacock
These plants pair well with Maison Reef 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 Maison Reef Peacock
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.
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.
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.
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 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.