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.
Orange Peacock At a Glance
Orange Peacock Tank Requirements
Will Orange Peacock fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Orange Peacock needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Orange Peacock against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Orange Peacock Water Parameters
Water care products
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Orange Peacock Temperament & Compatibility
Orange Peacock Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Brilliantly colored with a bright orange/yellow body and metallic blue accents on the face and fins. Males are territorial, especially towards other yellow/orange peacocks. Often kept in 'All-Male' display tanks to prevent breeding aggression.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Colored Peacock
Female / Unsexed Juvenile
Drab silver, brown, or grey in color. Much smaller and more peaceful than males. If keeping a mixed-sex tank, they must be kept in harems of at least 3-4 females per 1 male to disperse intense breeding harassment.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Drab Peacock, Female Peacock
Orange Peacock Care Guide Summary
The Orange Peacock, scientifically known as Aulonocara stuartgranti maleri, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 14 cm and have a fusiform 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 Orange 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 Orange 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.
Orange Peacock Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Orange 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 and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Orange Peacock Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Orange 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.
Orange Peacock Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Orange 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 Orange Peacock
How big does Orange Peacock get?
Orange Peacock (Aulonocara stuartgranti maleri) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 14 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Orange Peacock need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Orange Peacock. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Orange Peacock need?
Orange 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 Orange Peacock peaceful or aggressive?
Orange 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 Orange Peacock live alone?
Yes, Orange Peacock can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Orange Peacock have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Orange 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 Orange Peacock
These plants pair well with Orange 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 Orange 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red)
Metriaclima estherae
A highly popular and vibrant Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi. The 'Cherry Red' or Orange morph is a favorite for African Cichlid setups. They are rock-dwelling (Mbuna), highly territorial, and require a diet rich in vegetable matter (algae/spirulina) to avoid Malawi Bloat. Best kept in a harem ratio of 1 male to 3+ females.