OB Peacock Cichlid: Fish Species Profile

The OB Peacock Cichlid is a striking and colorful species known for its vibrant, multi-colored appearance and peaceful temperament, making it a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts. These fish are a variety of the peacock cichlid, characterized by their unique coloration, which can include red, orange, yellow, and blue hues. OB stands for “Orange Blotch,” referring to the orange markings found on their body. The OB Peacock Cichlid is not only known for its beauty but also for its relatively peaceful nature, which sets it apart from other more aggressive cichlid species.

• Common Names: OB Peacock Cichlid, OB Peacock, Orange Blotch Peacock
• Scientific Name: Aulonocara sp.
• Adult Size: Typically 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm) in length
• Life Expectancy: 5 to 10 years in a well-maintained tank

Characteristics

The OB Peacock Cichlid is recognized for its vibrant and colorful appearance. Their body color can range from yellow and orange to blue, often with patches of black or dark blue. The males typically display more vivid coloration than females, with a more pronounced mix of red, yellow, and blue on their bodies. These fish have a relatively peaceful nature compared to many other cichlids, but they can become territorial, especially during breeding.

• Family: Cichlidae
• Origin: Native to Lake Malawi in East Africa, though bred in captivity for the aquarium trade
• Social Behavior: Peaceful for a cichlid; territorial during breeding
• Tank Level: Middle to bottom dwellers
• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons (208 liters)
• Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on a variety of proteins and 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 OB Peacock Cichlid is a variety of the peacock cichlid native to Lake Malawi, one of the largest and most biodiverse lakes in East Africa. These cichlids are often found in the rocky, shallow areas of the lake, where they forage for food and establish territories. While wild OB Peacock Cichlids are rare, many are selectively bred in captivity for their striking coloration.

Colors and Markings

The OB Peacock Cichlid is known for its vibrant and multi-colored body. The males, in particular, display an array of colors, including blue, orange, red, yellow, and black, creating a stunning contrast. The “orange blotch” is often visible on the body, particularly near the tail. Females are generally more subdued in coloration, with softer hues of blue and yellow and fewer vibrant patches. The fish’s coloration can also change based on mood, health, and breeding conditions.

Tankmates

OB Peacock Cichlids are generally peaceful, making them suitable for a community tank. However, like most cichlids, they can be territorial, particularly during the breeding season. They do best in aquariums with other species that are peaceful and do not resemble them in body shape or color.

• Recommended Tankmates:
  • Other peaceful cichlids (e.g., other peacock cichlids, mbunas, or haps)
  • Tetras, rasboras, or other small, peaceful schooling fish
  • Bottom-dwelling species like Corydoras catfish or plecos
  • Peaceful barbs or larger peaceful species like angelfish
• Fish to Avoid:
  • Aggressive cichlids or fin-nipping species (e.g., large Mbuna cichlids, barbs)
  • Small or slow-moving fish that may be bullied or viewed as prey

Habitat and Care

OB Peacock Cichlids require a well-maintained aquarium with plenty of swimming space and rocky structures to mimic their natural habitat. They appreciate clean, slightly alkaline water and stable water conditions. These cichlids do well in moderately hard water and thrive in a tank that mimics their native environment, with rocks, caves, and some open swimming space.

• Ideal Aquarium Conditions:
  • Provide a tank with rocks, caves, and hiding places
  • Use a sandy or fine gravel substrate to mimic the natural lake environment
  • Moderate to strong filtration to maintain water quality
  • Regular water changes (at least 25% per week) to maintain stable water conditions

Diet and Feeding

The OB Peacock Cichlid is omnivorous and requires a balanced diet to stay healthy. In the wild, they feed on a variety of foods, including algae, small invertebrates, and fish. In the aquarium, they can be fed high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms, and occasional plant matter like spirulina or blanched zucchini.

• Feeding Tips:
  • Feed 2-3 times a day in small amounts
  • Provide both plant-based foods (like spirulina) and protein-based foods (like brine shrimp)
  • Remove uneaten food after 5-10 minutes to maintain water quality
  • Supplement their diet with variety to enhance their colors and health

Gender Differences

Males and females are easy to differentiate by size and coloration. Males are more colorful and have larger fins, especially the dorsal and anal fins, which often appear elongated. Females are smaller, with more subdued coloration and a rounder body, particularly when gravid (carrying eggs).

• Male: Larger, more colorful with vibrant blues, reds, and yellows
• Female: Smaller, less colorful, rounder body when gravid

Breeding

OB Peacock Cichlids are mouthbrooders, meaning that females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths until the fry are ready to swim on their own. Breeding in captivity can be challenging, but it is possible with the right conditions. The male will display his colors to attract the female, and once she is ready, she will lay eggs, which she carries in her mouth until they hatch.

• Breeding Tips:
  • Provide a breeding tank with stable water conditions and plenty of hiding spots
  • Keep a ratio of one male to multiple females to reduce stress on the females
  • After the female has released the fry, move them to a separate tank for safety as adult fish may eat them

More Pet Fish Species and Further Research

If you are interested in other cichlid species, you may want to explore other peacock cichlids, haplochromis, or even larger cichlids from Lake Malawi. Researching these species will help you create a more diverse and balanced community tank, especially for aquarists interested in African cichlids.

FAQ

Q: How many OB Peacock Cichlids should I keep together?
A: It’s recommended to keep one male with multiple females (2-3 females) in a well-sized tank. This helps reduce aggression towards the females, especially during breeding.

Q: Are OB Peacock Cichlids hard to care for?
A: No, they are moderate in care requirements but require stable water conditions and a balanced diet. They are suitable for intermediate aquarists who are familiar with the needs of cichlids.

Q: How can I tell if my OB Peacock Cichlid is male or female?
A: Males are typically larger, more colorful, and have more elongated fins. Females are smaller, rounder, and have more subdued coloration.