Family: Cichlidae
Aulonocara baenschi — a Cichlidae from Africa. Reaches 9–13.2 cm; keep at 24–28 °C.
A Cichlidae species native to Africa: Aulonocara baenschi lives middle of the water column over lakes and slow rivers with structure. Varies by species; many are territorial when breeding. Adults reach 9–13.2 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Aulonocara species we profile, alongside Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, Aulonocara stuartgranti.
Intermediate difficulty. Varies by species; many are territorial when breeding; pairs or singles with defined territory.
Set the heater to 24–28 °C and avoid swings. pH 7.5–8, GH 9–19 dGH suit it.
Full size is 9–13.2 cm. Minimum tank: 209 L, with open swimming space along its middle of the water column habits.
Omnivore to carnivore; quality prepared foods. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Yes, with care. Varies by species; many are territorial when breeding — pair it with Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs and skip Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Native to Africa, where it lives in lakes and slow rivers with structure. Still to gentle current; Moderate.
Low escape risk, but a lid is cheap insurance.
In the aquarium: substrate or cave spawner with parental care. Often striking; males larger and brighter.