Aulonocara stuartgranti, hansbaenschi (Chiloelo)

Red Shoulder Peacock Cichlid

Max Size:

6.0"

Temperament:

Semi-aggressive

Water Temperature:

78 - 82°F

Diet:

Carnivore

Min. Tank Size:

50 Gal

Description:

Aulonocara stuartgranti, hansbaenschi (Chiloelo) or Red Shoulder Peacock is a popular species of peacock cichlid found among African cichlid hobbyists. This species of Aulonocara is native to the waters of Lake Malawi, in the areas of Chiloelo and Mozambique. Males develop a dark metallic blue color which covers their face and most of their body, including their dorsal fin, anal fin, and tail fin. Behind their gills or in the "shoulder region" they develop a dark red color which extends down to the tips of their pelvic fins. Males will get to be about 6" in length and females will be a little smaller.

Compatibility:

The Red Shoulder Peacock cichlid is fairly mild mannered like many other peacock cichlids. Dominant males may show increased levels of aggression towards other male Aulonocara species. Breeding males will also show increased levels of aggression. Some compatible cichlids are the Red Top Lwanda Peacock, the Lemon Jake Peacock and the Azureus cichlid.

Tank Requirements and Feeding:

Red Shoulder Peacocks are native to the hard alkaline waters of Lake Malawi in Africa. A home aquarium should mimic their natural environment. It is recommended to use a substrate of sand or fine gravel and to provide plenty of rocks to create caves and passageways for the fish to claim territories or seek protection. The water temperature should be between 78 - 82°F with a pH between 7.8 - 8.6. Additives like Cichlid Lake Salt and Malawi/Victoria Buffer will condition the aquarium water for African cichlids.

Aulonocara stuartgranti, hansbaenschi are carnivores and should be fed a diet that contains a good amount of protein. Plankton based flakes mixed with commercially prepared cichlid pellets and the occasional feeding of live (or frozen) brine shrimp or blood worms are good choices for their diet. Such foods will help bring out the bright blue and red colors in these fish.

Breeding:

The Red Shoulder Peacock cichlid is sexually dimorphic, which means that the male displays bright colors while the female is much more plain. The male Red Shoulder displays dark metallic blue and red colors, while the female remains a dull grey color.

Like all Aulonocara, the Aulonocara stuartgranti, hansbaenschi or Red Shoulder Peacock cichlid is a mouthbrooder. While spawning, the female will pick up and hold the eggs in her mouth to protect them. It is a good idea to keep several females with one male when breeding. This will help spread out any aggression displayed by the male.

All Aulonocara species will hybridize. If you want to avoid hybridization, it is best to either, only keep males, or only keep one species of Aulonocara.