Here’s a full, detailed guide to the OB Peacock Cichlid — a vibrant, hybrid African cichlid known for its stunning color patterns and lively personality.

🐟 OB Peacock Cichlid Overview

• Scientific Name: Aulonocara sp. (OB hybrid)

• Common Name: OB Peacock, Orange Blotch Peacock, OB Aulonocara

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa (hybridized in captivity)

• Type: Man-made hybrid between Aulonocara (peacocks) and Mbuna (rock dwellers)

🔍 “OB” stands for “Orange Blotch” — referring to the marbled, blotchy pattern of colors.

🎨 Appearance

• Size: 4.5–6 inches (11–15 cm)

• Lifespan: 5–8 years

• Coloration:

  • Varies dramatically: blue, red, orange, yellow, white with random blotches

  • Males are more colorful; females often duller with fewer blotches

  • Pattern is unpredictable, which makes each OB Peacock unique

• Sexual Dimorphism:

  • Males: Brighter, more vibrant, larger fins

  • Females: Smaller, duller, less aggressive

🧬 Since OBs are hybrids, their appearance and temperament vary depending on parent lineage.

🔥 Temperament & Behavior

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

• Tank Level: Middle to bottom

• Behavior:

  • Males are territorial, especially during breeding

  • May chase similar-looking fish

  • Females are usually more peaceful

⚠️ OB Peacocks tend to be more aggressive than pure Aulonocara due to Mbuna ancestry.

🐠 Tank Requirements

🪨 Provide plenty of hiding spots and broken lines of sight to reduce aggression.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivore (with carnivorous leanings)

• Best Foods:

  • High-quality cichlid pellets (color-enhancing)

  • Frozen or live: brine shrimp, krill, mysis shrimp, bloodworms (in moderation)

  • Spirulina flakes occasionally for digestion

• Avoid:

  • Fatty or low-quality foods

  • Too many worms (can cause bloat)

✅ Feed 1–2 small meals daily; avoid overfeeding.

🐣 Breeding

• Spawning Type: Maternal mouthbrooder

• Mating Behavior:

  • Males dig pits or claim territory to attract females

  • Female lays eggs and scoops them into her mouth for fertilization

  • Holds eggs/fry in her mouth for 21–28 days

• Fry Care:

  • Once released, feed baby brine shrimp or crushed flakes

  • Remove female after she releases fry to prevent stress or aggression

🎯 Because OBs are hybrids, offspring may show a wide range of color patterns and may not resemble the parents exactly.

✅ Care Tips

• Stable water parameters are crucial — African cichlids are sensitive to fluctuations

• Avoid mixing with delicate or slow fish

• Use rocks and caves to diffuse aggression

• Perform weekly water changes (25–40%)

• Monitor dominant males — aggression can spike

🤝 Tankmate Compatibility

Best with:

• Other Aulonocara (Peacock Cichlids)

• Haps (non-aggressive types)

• Yellow Labs (Labidochromis caeruleus)

• Synodontis catfish

• Bristlenose plecos

Avoid:

• Mbuna (too aggressive and competitive for food)

• Small peaceful fish (e.g., tetras)

• Overly aggressive Haps or large predators (e.g., Nimbochromis)

• Similar-colored males (triggers territorial fights)

🧠 Keep 1 male to 3+ females if breeding, or all males for a colorful display without fry

⚠️ Common Health Issues

• Malawi Bloat – From stress, overfeeding, or poor diet

• Fin Rot – From nips or poor water quality

• Aggression wounds – Prevent by giving space and hiding spots

• Color fading – From stress or poor water conditions

🏁 Summary

The OB Peacock Cichlid is a stunning, colorful hybrid perfect for aquarists who want a vibrant and lively African cichlid tank. With proper care, a good diet, and thoughtful tank mates, OB Peacocks will thrive, display brilliant colors, and engage in fascinating behavior.