Description
The Sulfurhead Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara maylandi) is a stunning African Cichlid known for its bold contrast of shimmering blue or lavender body and the distinctive yellow “sulfur” stripe that runs from its forehead along the dorsal fin. This unique coloration makes it a favorite among Lake Malawi enthusiasts and a true centerpiece in any African cichlid tank. Males are especially vivid, while females display a subtler, more muted version of the same striking features.
Sulfurhead Peacocks grow up to 6 inches and do best in 55+ gallon aquariums with hard, alkaline water (pH 7.6–8.6) and temperatures between 76–82°F. Their temperament is semi-aggressive, particularly during breeding, so they’re best kept with other similarly tempered Haps or Peacock Cichlids. A habitat with rocky caves for territory, open swimming space, and a protein-rich diet helps bring out their full color potential. Their active behavior, vibrant appearance, and compatibility with other Lake Malawi cichlids make them an excellent choice for intermediate to experienced aquarists.
At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Surfulhead Peacock and Peacock Cichlids for sale are tank-breed, grown, and sold with love and care. Visit our fish store online or aquarium in Virginia for more high-quality freshwater fish for sale. We have a lot more fish available such as betta fish for sale, aquatic plants for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, freshwater snails for sale, and other aquarium supplies.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THIS FISH:
Striking coloration with bright yellow “sulfurhead” markings
Semi-aggressive but peaceful with proper tank mates
Thrives in African cichlid setups with rocky décor and hard water
Ideal for hobbyists with medium to large cichlid tanks
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for a small group
Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
pH Range: 7.8 – 8.6
Hardness: 10 – 20 dGH
Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
Filtration: Strong, well-oxygenated system with moderate flow
Lighting: Moderate to highlight coloration
CARE GUIDELINES:
Diet: Sulfurhead Peacock Cichlids are carnivorous micro-predators that thrive on a protein-rich diet. Feed them high-quality cichlid pellets formulated for African species, along with occasional frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. While they don’t require aquatic plant matter, adding spirulina-based flakes can help support immune health and enhance their vibrant coloration.
Feeding habits: These cichlids are active, mid-bottom feeders that eagerly accept sinking pellets and small floating foods. Feed them 1–2 times per day in controlled portions to prevent overfeeding. As with most cichlids, they produce significant waste, so avoid excess food to maintain water quality and reduce aggression linked to poor conditions.
Social behavior: Sulfurhead Peacocks are semi-aggressive, especially males, when establishing territory or during breeding. They’re best kept with other similarly sized and tempered Lake Malawi species, such as Haps and Peacocks. Avoid mixing with overly aggressive Mbunas. Providing plenty of rocks and caves helps reduce territorial disputes.
Origin: Sulfurhead Peacocks are selectively bred color variants of Aulonocara stuartgranti, native to Lake Malawi, Africa. Their distinctive yellow “sulfur line” is a result of targeted breeding and is not typically seen in wild populations.
Average adult size: 4.0 – 6.0 inches (10 – 15 cm). Due to their size and territorial behavior, a minimum tank size of 55 gallons is recommended, especially when housing multiple cichlids. Larger tanks allow for proper spacing, line-of-sight breaks, and healthier social dynamics.
See more details about How to Care for Peacock Cichlid here.
Sulfurhead Peacock Frequently Asked Questions FAQs
How big do Sulfurhead Peacock Cichlids get?
Sulfurhead Peacocks typically grow to an adult size of 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm). Males may grow slightly larger and display more intense coloration, especially in well-maintained tanks.
Are Sulfurhead Peacocks aggressive?
They are semi-aggressive, particularly males during breeding or territory disputes. They’re generally less aggressive than Mbuna cichlids and do well with other similarly tempered Lake Malawi species.
Can I keep Sulfurhead Peacocks with other Cichlids?
Yes, they are best kept with other Peacock Cichlids or Haps of similar size and temperament. Avoid housing them with aggressive Mbunas or overly small, passive fish.
