Ruby red peacock
Introduction
The Ruby Red Peacock cichlid (Aulonocara rubescens) is a vibrant freshwater fish native to Lake Malawi in Africa. Renowned for its striking red and orange hues, this species has become a favorite among aquarists seeking to add color and activity to their tanks. With a relatively peaceful temperament compared to other cichlids, the Ruby Red Peacock is suitable for hobbyists with some experience in fishkeeping.
Care and Environment
Proper care is essential to ensure the health and vibrancy of the Ruby Red Peacock cichlid. Below are key considerations for their care:
What is the minimum tank size required for a Ruby Red Peacock cichlid?
A minimum tank size of 200 liters is recommended to provide adequate space for swimming and territory establishment. For a small colony, a larger tank of at least 200 liters is advisable to accommodate their social structure and reduce aggression.
What are the ideal water parameters for Ruby Red Peacock cichlids?
Maintaining stable water conditions is crucial. Aim for a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.5 and 8.5, and water hardness of 4–6 dGH. Consistency in these parameters helps prevent stress and disease.
How should the tank be decorated for Ruby Red Peacock cichlids?
Use a fine sand substrate to mimic their natural habitat, as they enjoy sifting through the sand. Incorporate rocks and caves to provide hiding spots and establish territories, which can help minimize aggression. Ensure there are open swimming areas to accommodate their active nature.
Efficient filtration is essential to maintain water quality, as these cichlids are sensitive to pollutants. Moderate water flow is preferred, avoiding strong currents that can cause stress. Lighting should be subdued, as bright lights can be unsettling; using a timer to simulate natural day-night cycles can be beneficial.
Regarding diet, Ruby Red Peacocks are omnivorous. Provide a balanced diet consisting of high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia. Including vegetable matter, such as spirulina-based foods, supports their health and enhances coloration. Feed small portions 2–3 times daily, ensuring they consume all food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.
Origin and Habitat
The Ruby Red Peacock cichlid originates from Lake Malawi in Africa, one of the world's largest freshwater lakes. This lake is renowned for its diverse cichlid population, with over 1,000 species. In the wild, these cichlids inhabit sandy-bottomed areas with scattered rocks, providing both open swimming spaces and hiding spots. The water in Lake Malawi is clear, warm, and alkaline, with temperatures ranging from 24–28°C and a pH between 7.5 and 8.5.
Temperament and Compatibility
Ruby Red Peacock cichlids are generally more peaceful than many other African cichlids, making them suitable for community tanks with compatible species. However, males can become territorial, especially during breeding periods.
Can Ruby Red Peacock cichlids be kept with other fish?
Yes, they can coexist with other peaceful cichlids of similar size, such as other Aulonocara species and non-aggressive Haplochromis cichlids. It's advisable to avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species to prevent stress and injury.
How can aggression be minimized in a tank with Ruby Red Peacock cichlids?
Providing ample space and creating multiple hiding spots with rocks and caves can help reduce territorial disputes. Maintaining a proper male-to-female ratio, such as one male to several females, also minimizes aggression.
Is it advisable to keep multiple male Ruby Red Peacock cichlids together?
Keeping multiple males together can lead to increased aggression unless the tank is sufficiently large to allow for distinct territories. In smaller tanks, it's best to keep one male with multiple females.
Interesting Facts
Ruby Red Peacock cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning females carry fertilized eggs and young fry in their mouths for about 18–21 days until they are ready to swim freely. This unique reproductive behavior provides protection to the offspring during their most vulnerable stages.
These cichlids are known for their vibrant coloration, which becomes more pronounced during breeding displays. Males exhibit intense red and orange hues to attract females and deter rival males.
In their natural habitat, Ruby Red Peacocks are benthic feeders, sifting through the sandy substrate to find small invertebrates and organic matter. This behavior is often observed in aquariums, where they may dig in the substrate, contributing to the tank's dynamic environment.
Sources
All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources: