Strawberry Peacock Care Guide

The Strawberry Peacock is a striking Lake Malawi cichlid known for its intense red, orange, pink and sometimes bluish colouration. Its elongated body, rounded fins and large reflective scales give it a jewel-like appearance, although the exact colour pattern varies considerably between strains and individual fish.This fish belongs to the peacock cichlid group, Aulonocara, whose members are famed for their specialised sensory pores. These pores help them detect tiny movements in the sandy lake floor, allowing them to locate small prey hidden beneath the sediment.In nature, Aulonocara peacocks inhabit the clear, alkaline waters of Lake Malawi, especially areas where sandy bottoms meet scattered rocks. They spend much of their time close to the substrate, searching methodically for small crustaceans and other invertebrates.The name Strawberry Peacock is generally used in the aquarium trade for a selectively bred or hybridised colour form, rather than a distinct scientifically recognised species. Like other peacocks, it is usually less combative than many rock-dwelling mbuna, though males can become territorial, particularly when displaying or spawning.Females and immature fish are usually much less colourful than mature males, making the species especially popular among aquarists who appreciate the dramatic transformation that can occur as males reach adulthood.