Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Dragonblood Red Peacock Cichlid — a striking and selectively bred African...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Dragonblood Red Peacock Cichlid — a striking and selectively bred African cichlid known for its vivid red-pink coloration and manageable temperament.
Scientific Name: Aulonocara species (selective hybrid, not found in the wild)
Common Names: Dragonblood Peacock, Dragon Blood Cichlid, Red Peacock Cichlid
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Lake Malawi (native Aulonocara species); Dragonblood is a hybridized variant developed in the aquarium trade
Size: 4–6 inches (10–15 cm)
Lifespan: 5–8 years
Coloration:
Intense red-pink to orange body, sometimes with iridescent spots or faint barring
Males are more vibrant; females are often duller or tan-gray
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males: Brighter color, longer and more pointed fins
Females: Smaller, less colorful, rounded fins
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Tank Level: Mid to bottom
Social Behavior:
Males are territorial, especially during breeding
Less aggressive than Mbuna, more peaceful than Haps
Best kept in a male-dominated tank to highlight color and minimize aggression
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Tank Size | Minimum 55 gallons for a small group; 75+ gallons preferred |
Water Type | Freshwater |
Temperature | 76–82°F (24–28°C) |
pH Level | 7.8–8.6 (alkaline) |
Hardness | 10–20 dGH |
Filtration | Strong and efficient — they are messy eaters |
Aquascape | Sandy substrate, rocks/caves for hiding, no plants needed (they may dig) |
Water Flow | Moderate; mimic Lake Malawi’s clear, oxygen-rich waters |
Type: Omnivore with carnivorous preferences
Preferred Foods:
High-quality cichlid pellets (color-enhancing varieties)
Frozen/live: brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, bloodworms (occasionally)
Occasional spirulina or vegetable flakes for digestive health
Feeding Tip: Feed small portions 1–2 times daily to avoid bloating or fouling water
Spawning Type: Mouthbrooder (maternal)
Breeding Behavior:
Males create a territory and perform a dance to attract females
Females lay eggs, then scoop them into their mouth for fertilization
Incubation: ~21–28 days; fry are released fully formed
Fry Care:
After release, fry can be fed crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp
Can be raised in a breeder box or separate tank
⚠️ Note: Dragonbloods are hybrids, so fry may have unpredictable colors or traits.
Maintain stable water parameters — they don’t handle fluctuations well
Avoid overstocking unless heavily filtered; peacocks produce a lot of waste
Provide plenty of rockwork for territories and retreats
Perform weekly water changes (25–40%) to keep nitrates low
Best kept with other peaceful to semi-aggressive African cichlids, especially other peacocks and haps.
Good tankmates:
Other Aulonocara species (peacocks)
Haplochromis cichlids
Yellow Labs (Labidochromis caeruleus)
Synodontis catfish
Bristlenose plecos
Avoid:
Mbuna (generally too aggressive and competitive)
Aggressive Haps (like Nimbochromis)
New World cichlids (different water chemistry needs)
Small or slow fish (risk of aggression)
Aggression: Especially between males or if too few hiding spaces exist
Bloat: From overfeeding or improper diet — avoid fatty foods
Color fading: Due to poor water quality, low hierarchy status, or stress
Misidentification: Hybrid nature means appearance and behavior may vary
The Dragonblood Red Peacock Cichlid is a stunning, fiery hybrid suited for African cichlid enthusiasts who want color and personality without extreme aggression. They thrive in well-maintained, alkaline aquariums and look best in male-only displays or carefully selected community setups.
*Pictures are for reference purpose size & color might vary slightly.
Delivery of live Fish is only available in Kolkata & Howrah.
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