Family: Cichlidae
African Butterfly Peacock — a Cichlidae from Lake Malawi, Africa, assertive but manageable with space and structure. Reaches 11.2–16.5 cm; singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. 24–26 °C.
A Cichlidae species native to Lake Malawi, Africa: Aulonocara jacobfreibergi lives bottom-dwelling over lakes and slow rivers with structure. Assertive but manageable with space and structure. Adults reach 11.2–16.5 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Aulonocara species we profile, alongside Aulonocara baenschi, Aulonocara stuartgranti.
A moderate-level species: assertive but manageable with space and structure; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Set the heater to 24–26 °C and avoid swings. pH 7.5–8, GH 9–19 dGH suit it.
Full size is 11.2–16.5 cm. Minimum tank: 327 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety. It forages naturally over sand with rock piles, so let some food reach the bottom.
Yes, with care. Assertive but manageable with space and structure — pair it with Other cichlids of similar size and temperament — Balance aggression across the tank and skip Delicate planted-tank species — Uprooted and outcompeted.
Native to Lake Malawi, Africa, where it lives in lakes and slow rivers with structure. Still to gentle current; Moderate.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
In the aquarium: cave or substrate spawner with prolonged parental care. Often striking; males larger and brighter.