Peacock Cichlid Types: 5 Interesting Species

Peacock cichlids are colorful and popular fish known for their vibrant displays of color. These cichlids can be pretty challenging to keep, but they can make a great addition to any fish tank with careful planning and luck. There are many different peacock cichlids, but they have a colorful appearance and are very active and playful fish.

Peacock Cichlid Overview

Origin

The peacock cichlid is native to the tropical waters of Lake Malawi in eastern Africa, and it is found in areas with rocky substrates. They can also be found in some regions of Africa. They are popular in the aquarium trade because of their vibrant colors and exciting personality.

Adult Size & Lifespan

The peacock cichlid is a popular fish that can reach a size of over six inches. They typically live for around six to eight years.

Behavior

The peacock cichlid is a colorful fish found in many habitats, including lakes, rivers, and oceans. They are typically peaceful fish but can become aggressive when they feel threatened. Peacock cichlids are often considered one of the easier fish to keep in a tank. They are active and playful and will often interact with their tank mates. Peacocks are active swimmers that enjoy swimming in tight circles or darting around objects in their aquarium.

Appearance

The peacock cichlid is a colorful fish found in various colors and patterns. Some of the colors and practices include: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and black. The peacock cichlid also has very colorful fins and can be seen from a distance. The sex differences between male and female peacock cichlids are not as clear-cut as other fish species. However, some general differences between the sexes include: males have larger fins and may have more colorful markings on their bodies; females tend to have smaller fins and may lack some of the colorations on their bodies.

Types of Peacock Cichlids

There are many peacock cichlids, but they all have one thing in common- their colorful scales. Some peacock cichlids have a green or blue back and sides, while others are more brightly colored with orange, yellow, or red on their backs and sides.

Red Peacock Cichlid

The Red Peacock Cichlid is colorful and popular. It is a member of the peacock family, which includes some of the most popular fish in the aquarium hobby. The Red Peacock Cichlid is a lively and active fish that can be kept in smaller tanks or community tanks with other cichlids.

OB Peacock Cichlid

The OB Peacock Cichlid is a popular choice for those looking for a brightly colored fish. It has a greenback and sides, with spots of different colors interspersed throughout its body. The OB Peacock Cichlid is an active fish that loves to swim in tight circles or dart around objects in its tank. Like most other peacock cichlids, they can be kept in smaller tanks or community tanks with other cichlids.

Blue Peacock Cichlid

The blue peacock cichlid is a beautiful fish found in many habitats, including slow-moving rivers and large lakes. It’s a popular fish in the aquarium trade and is known for its vibrant coloring and striking patterns. In addition, the blue peacock cichlid can be kept in a tank as small as 10 gallons, but the fish tends to enjoy much larger tanks, usually closer to 100 gallons, when it’s kept alone.

Strawberry Peacock Cichlid

The strawberry peacock cichlid is a relatively small variety of the more brightly colored peacock cichlids. It is known for its bright green and silver scales on an orange body, making it one of the cornerstones of any community tank when kept with other fish.

Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid

The dragon blood peacock cichlid is a relatively rare and colorful fish found within the rivers of central Africa. It’s sometimes regarded as a species in its own right because it is distinct from other grow-up peacock cichlids. Both sexes can be kept together given that they don’t overcrowd each other too much, but both males and females should not be housed together.

Peacock Cichlid Care & Aquarium Requirements

Habitat and Tank Requirements

The peacock cichlid is a tropical fish that needs a lot of space to swim around. They need at least a 55-gallon tank with plenty of hiding spots and swimming places. They are also very active fish, so they need a 74-80 degrees Fahrenheit water temperature.

Tank Conditions

Peacock cichlids need a lot of oxygen, so they should have at least one air stone in their tank. They also need good water quality with a moderate level of hardness. These fish are sensitive to water temperature and pH changes, so make sure you keep them at the right temperature and adjust the pH accordingly.

Peacock Cichlid Breeding

A breeding tank should be at least 45 gallons in size with plenty of hiding places for the female and plenty of open areas for the male to display his colors. The water should be soft and acidic, with a temperature range of 74 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 26 degrees Celsius). The pH should be 7.5 to 8.5. There is no need to provide filtration, as the peacock cichlid is an omnivore that will eat both plant and animal matter.

Peacock Cichlid Tankmates

Peacock cichlids are popular fish in the aquarium trade, but they can be challenging to keep with other fish. They are best kept with more minor, peaceful fish that they can dominate. Some good tankmates for peacocks include plecos, African red eye tetra, and loaches.