Description
The Yellow Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara sp.), also known by hobbyists as the Lemon Jake Peacock, is one of the most radiant African cichlids you can add to your aquarium. With its intense yellow to golden coloration, shimmering metallic undertones, and bold demeanor, this yellow Aulonocara brings a flash of sunlight to any Lake Malawi cichlid tank. Males display vivid hues that intensify with age, dominance, and breeding — making them the true showpieces of any freshwater setup.
These cichlids grow to about 4–6 inches and thrive in 55+ gallon aquariums with hard, alkaline water and strong biological filtration. Their temperament is semi-aggressive, yet notably more peaceful than Mbuna cichlids, making them an excellent choice for hobbyists creating a colorful African cichlid community tank.
At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Yellow Peacock Cichlids for sale and other Peacock Cichlids for sale are tank-raised, healthy, and carefully selected for vivid coloration and optimal size. Shop online or visit our aquarium store in Virginia to discover high-quality freshwater fish for sale, betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, aquatic plants, and essential aquarium supplies.
WHAT MAKES THIS FISH SPECIAL?
Eye-Catching Golden Coloration: Striking shades of yellow, gold, and orange that shimmer under aquarium lights.
Great for Community Tanks: Peaceful enough to coexist with other non-aggressive Lake Malawi cichlids.
Unique Breeding Behavior: As mouthbrooders, females carry eggs and fry in their mouths — a fascinating sight for aquarists.
Adaptable and Hardy: Thrives in standard African cichlid tank setups, ideal for intermediate to advanced hobbyists.
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS
Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
pH Range: 7.8 – 8.6
Hardness: 10 – 20 dGH
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Filtration: Strong external/canister filter recommended
Lighting: Moderate to bright to bring out the full gold and yellow coloration
CARE GUIDELINES
Diet: Yellow Peacock Cichlids are omnivores that do best on a varied, protein-rich diet. Feed them a mix of high-quality cichlid pellets, spirulina flakes, and frozen or live treats like brine shrimp and bloodworms. This balanced diet helps promote strong growth, health, and vivid coloration.
Feeding Habits: Active mid-water feeders, these cichlids eagerly accept sinking and floating foods. Feed once or twice daily, ensuring all food is consumed within 2–3 minutes. Avoid overfeeding to maintain clean water conditions and prevent digestive issues.
Social Behavior: Yellow Aulonocaras are semi-aggressive and slightly territorial, especially during spawning. They are generally peaceful compared to other African cichlids and do well in community setups with other Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara) or compatible Haps. Provide ample hiding spaces and use rocks or caves to reduce aggression and establish territory.
Origin: While the yellow peacock color variant is selectively bred, it originates from Aulonocara species native to Lake Malawi, Africa. These hybrids showcase enhanced color through generations of careful line breeding.
Size: Reaches 4 to 6 inches (10–15 cm) at full adult size. A tank of at least 55 gallons is required, with larger tanks preferred for groups or mixed cichlid communities.
See more details about the Care Guide for Peacock Cichlid Fish here
