The Freiberg Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara jacobfreibergi) is a vibrant, moderately aggressive freshwater fish from Lake Malawi, popular in the aquarium hobby for its brilliant colors and manageable size. Males can display striking combinations of blue, orange, red, and purple, while females are typically a more subdued brown or gray.
Water Parameters
Maintaining stable, hard, and alkaline water conditions is crucial for the health of Freiberg's Peacock Cichlids.
Parameter
Optimal Range
Source
Temperature
24-28°C (75-82°F)
pH Level
7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness
10-20 dGH
Diet and Feeding
In their natural habitat, they are omnivores that primarily feed on benthic invertebrates found in the sand. In captivity, a varied diet is important for optimal health and color.
Feed a high-quality cichlid pellet or flake food as a staple.
Supplement their diet with protein-rich frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, and bloodworms.
Occasionally offer vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or spirulina flakes.
Feed small amounts two to three times a day, only what they can consume in a few minutes, to prevent overfeeding and water quality issues.
Temperament and Tank Mates
Freiberg's Peacock Cichlids are generally semi-aggressive and more peaceful than other cichlid species like Mbunas.
They are best kept with other peaceful to moderately aggressive African cichlids from Lake Malawi, such as other Aulonocara species or Haps (Haplochromis).
Avoid housing them with overly aggressive or much smaller, passive fish species.
When keeping a group, maintain a ratio of one male to several females (at least 3-4) to help disperse aggression and prevent excessive harassment of one female.
