Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid: Fish Species Profile

The Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid is one of the most stunning and highly sought-after cichlids in the aquarium hobby, known for its intense coloration and striking appearance. This variety of the peacock cichlid is popular for its vivid red, orange, and yellow hues, which resemble the fiery scales of a dragon—hence its name. Dragon Blood Peacocks are a selectively bred variant that displays an array of vibrant colors, making them an eye-catching centerpiece for larger community aquariums.

• Common Names: Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid, Dragon Blood Cichlid, Blood Red Peacock
• Scientific Name: Aulonocara sp.
• Adult Size: Typically 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in length
• Life Expectancy: 6 to 8 years in a well-maintained tank

Characteristics

The Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid is characterized by its vivid coloration, with males displaying intense red, orange, and yellow hues that are often blended together to create a “dragon scale” appearance. Females are typically less colorful, exhibiting softer colors and a more subdued appearance. The males also tend to be larger and more robust than females, particularly during breeding seasons when their colors become even more vibrant. These fish are peaceful for cichlids but can still exhibit territorial behavior, especially when defending their space or during the breeding season.

• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Native to Lake Malawi in East Africa; selectively bred in captivity
• Social Behavior: Generally peaceful for a cichlid, but territorial during breeding
• Tank Level: Middle to bottom swimmers
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters)
• Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on a mix of protein-rich foods and some plant matter
• Breeding: Mouthbrooders (females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths)
• Care Level: Moderate; suitable for intermediate aquarists
• Water Conditions:
  • pH: 7.5 to 8.5
  • Temperature: 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
  • Hardness: 8 to 12 dGH

Origin and Distribution

The Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid is a captive-bred variant of the peacock cichlid, which is native to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi in East Africa. While these fish are not found in the wild, they are selectively bred in captivity for their exceptional color patterns. The Dragon Blood variety was originally developed by crossbreeding different types of peacock cichlids, resulting in the vibrant and unique colors that make them so popular in the aquarium trade.

Colors and Markings

One of the most distinctive features of the Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid is its brilliant coloration. Males display a spectrum of red, orange, and yellow shades, often with a hint of blue or purple around the head, creating a fiery, dragon-like appearance. This coloration becomes more vivid during breeding periods. Females, on the other hand, are more subdued in color, typically exhibiting pale yellow or beige tones. The males also have longer fins, which are often adorned with red or orange hues.

Tankmates

The Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid is relatively peaceful compared to other cichlids, making it suitable for a community tank with other non-aggressive species. However, like most cichlids, they can become territorial, particularly during breeding. To reduce aggression, it’s best to keep them with other species that are not similarly shaped or colored, as they may compete for space.

• Recommended Tankmates:
  • Other peaceful cichlids (e.g., other peacock cichlids, haps, or mbunas)
  • Larger peaceful species like silver dollars or larger barbs
  • Bottom-dwelling species such as Corydoras catfish, plecos, or synodontis catfish
  • Other peaceful community fish like tetras (in a larger tank)
• Fish to Avoid:
  • Aggressive cichlids (e.g., large Mbuna cichlids or jaguar cichlids)
  • Smaller fish that may be bullied or viewed as prey
  • Other territorial species that may compete for space and territory

Habitat and Care

The Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid requires an aquarium that mimics its natural rocky environment. They appreciate having hiding spots created by rocks and caves, as well as open swimming areas. As these fish are relatively peaceful, it’s important to provide enough space for them to establish their own territory. Clean, well-filtered water is essential for their well-being, and they prefer slightly alkaline water.

• Ideal Aquarium Conditions:
  • Rocks and caves for hiding and territorial boundaries
  • A sandy or fine gravel substrate for a more natural environment
  • Strong filtration to maintain water quality, as they are sensitive to poor water conditions
  • Regular water changes (at least 25% per week) to maintain stable conditions

Diet and Feeding

The Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid is omnivorous and requires a balanced diet. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, algae, and detritus. In captivity, they should be offered a variety of foods, including high-quality cichlid pellets, live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, and occasional plant matter like spirulina or blanched vegetables.

• Feeding Tips:
  • Feed 2-3 times a day in small amounts
  • Offer a high-protein diet to promote vibrant colors
  • Supplement with plant-based foods like spirulina flakes or algae wafers
  • Remove uneaten food after 5-10 minutes to avoid water quality issues

Gender Differences

Male and female Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlids are easy to distinguish based on size and coloration. Males are typically larger and more colorful, especially during the breeding season. They also have more elongated fins, while females are smaller, more rounded, and generally less colorful. Males also develop more pronounced coloration around the head and body.

• Male: Larger, more colorful with vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues, elongated fins
• Female: Smaller, rounder, with more subdued colors and less vivid markings

Breeding

Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlids are mouthbrooders, meaning that the female carries the fertilized eggs in her mouth until they hatch. Breeding is relatively straightforward in a stable environment with the right conditions. The male will display his colors and try to court the female, and once fertilization occurs, the female will carry the eggs for up to 3 weeks before the fry are ready to swim.

• Breeding Tips:
  • Maintain a ratio of one male to multiple females to reduce stress on the females
  • Provide flat surfaces like rocks or tiles for the female to lay her eggs
  • After the fry are born, move them to a separate nursery tank to ensure their survival and prevent predation by the parents or other tankmates

More Pet Fish Species and Further Research

If you enjoy keeping the Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid, consider exploring other peacock cichlids or cichlid species from Lake Malawi, such as the Electric Blue Hap, Aulonocara Stuartgranti, or the Mbuna cichlids. These species have similar care requirements and make excellent companions for larger cichlid tanks.

FAQ

Q: How many Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlids should I keep together?
A: It’s best to keep one male with multiple females (2-3) in a well-sized tank. This helps reduce aggression and territorial disputes during breeding.

Q: Are Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlids hard to care for?
A: They are moderately easy to care for but require stable water conditions and a varied diet. They are best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Q: How can I tell if my Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid is male or female?
A: Males are typically larger, more colorful, and have elongated fins, while females are smaller, rounder, and less vibrant in color.