What tank size does a Red Shoulder Peacock need?

A Red Shoulder Peacock requires a minimum tank size of 284 litres (75 US gallons).

What temperature do Red Shoulder Peacock need?

Red Shoulder Peacock thrive in water temperatures between 24–28°C (75–82°F).

How hard is it to breed Red Shoulder Peacock?

Breeding Red Shoulder Peacock is considered moderate.

Red Shoulder Peacock Care Guide

Aulonocara

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Bioload Score

4600

Semi-AggressiveModerate

Max Size: 15 cm / 5.9"
Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH Range: 7.6 – 8.6
Min Tank Size: 284L (75 gal)
Min Group Size: 4 fish
Tank Level: Bottom-Mid
Origin: Africa
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Difficulty: Moderate
Breeding Difficulty: Moderate

Diet

An omnivorous species that feeds mainly on small invertebrates, insect larvae and other tiny organisms sifted from the substrate.

Community Compatibility

Suitable tankmates include similarly sized peaceful Lake Malawi peacocks and gentle haplochromine cichlids with comparable water requirements.

Good to Know

The Red Shoulder Peacock, Aulonocara hansbaenschi, belongs to a group of Lake Malawi cichlids famous for detecting buried prey through sensory pores in the head.

Gender Differences

Males develop vivid blue coloration with a red-orange shoulder and stronger fin markings, while females remain mainly silvery brown or gray and are less intensely patterned.

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