Cichlids by Sanderling

Aulonocara maulana

 

Common Name: Bicolor Peacock
Distribution: Chitimba Bay, Malawi, Lake Malawi
Maximum Size: ~100 mm (4.5 in)
Maturity: ~75 mm (3.0 in)
Food: Invertivore; mix of dry and live or frozen food
pH/gH/kH: 7.6 to 8.6/7 to 8/10-12

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the wild this fish is collected at Chitimba Bay on Lake Malawi. It is commonly found over sandy areas that offer scattered rocks as cover in depths approaching five meters. The bicolour designation comes from the broad yellow band around the cobalt blue background displayed on mature males of the species. The fish is described on Stuart Grant’s species list as number five hundred, hence the name ‘Bicolour 500’.

These fish are best kept with other peaceful cichlid species over a light coloured substrate in order to appreciate their striking colour. One male with three or more females is a good ratio if breeding is of interest. Males showing their spawning coat are particulary striking and make an exciting addition to any collection. 

In nature the feed in a manner similar to sand sifters but will readily accept quality pellet or flaked foods.

The parent colony was collected at Chitimba Bay on Lake Malawi and are prolific breeders.  Aproximately 1 in 300 fry express the highly coveted “Orange Blotch” phenotype. Cichlids by Sanderling offers first generation (F-1) offspring to the discriminating collector that are  proven hardy, and a true representation of the species as it exists in nature.