Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid
The Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara sp. 'Dragon Blood') is a striking ornamental African cichlid, prized for its vibrant red, orange and golden colouration. Its brilliant colours and elegant swimming behaviour make it a standout addition to a carefully planned African cichlid aquarium.
Native to the Lake Malawi region, Peacock Cichlids are known for their distinctive hunting behaviour, using sensory pores in their heads to detect small invertebrates hidden in the sandy substrate. They appreciate open swimming areas, sandy bottoms and rocky structures that provide shelter and territories.
Care Guide
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Scientific Name: Aulonocara sp. 'Dragon Blood'
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Common Name: Dragon Blood Peacock
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Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa (captive-bred strain)
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Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial
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Diet: Omnivore – quality cichlid pellets, frozen and prepared foods
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Care Level: Moderate
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Tank Setup: African cichlid aquarium with sandy substrate and rock formations
Recommended Water Parameters
Feeding
Dragon Blood Peacocks thrive on a varied, high-quality diet. Offer specialised African cichlid pellets as their staple food, supplemented with suitable frozen foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp. Feed moderate portions and avoid overfeeding to maintain good water quality.
Aquarium Requirements
Provide a spacious aquarium with sandy substrate, open swimming areas and carefully arranged rocks for shelter. Maintain stable alkaline water conditions and efficient filtration.
Dragon Blood Peacocks can be territorial, particularly males, so provide adequate space and carefully select compatible tank mates. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive species or fish that may outcompete them for food.
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