Blue Peacock 5cm

Blue Peacock 
 

Like most African peacock cichlids the Blue Peacock is also a stunning species. it is also commonly found in almost every display Malawi peacock aquarium. Unlike many commonly available peacocks that have been selectively bred with this color, variation is naturally occurring in the wild. Its colors, however, are on the same amazing level as selectively bred peacocks, its body has a very unique dark sea blue which shimmering metallic scales. It also sports some darker blue bars through its body and all this blue is starkly contrasted by a copper or rusty color which is most prominent on the nape of this fish and extends to the tail fin.

This copper color can also be seen flared through the fins of fish. To top this all it also has a shining white rim on all the fins which outline the blue peacock. The blue peacock will get to around 17 cm (7 inches). African peacocks are commonly known to be semi-aggressive fish with aggression only coming out with territorial fights or breeding. Trying to find the males and females in African peacocks is fairly easy. The easiest method is to look at the egg spots on the anal fin of the fish. Males will have lots whereas females will have little to none. The wild habitat of the African peacock cichlid is lake Malawi of Africa. 

Tank Recommendations for your Blue Peacock Cichlid

The blue peacock is a very active fish that needs a tank that is at least 125 gallons (470 liters) and around 4 feet minimum width. Sand or crushed coral substrate is fine for the blue peacock but for the aquascape overall it would be best to replicate a rocky African lake biotope with rocks that increase the PH like Texas rock or Seriyu stone.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The blue peacock is fairly peaceful and can be kept with other color variations of the peacock species. Overstocking peacocks in aquariums is common to avoid aggression or territorial behavior however this can lead to more water changes and maintenance. This can be avoided by keeping minimal fish in a large aquarium with lots of visual breaks.  Consideration can be made to keep them peaceful Mbunas and Haps. 

Usually Compatible

Other African peacocks like dragon blood or neon blues and other common species such as electric yellow labs.

Sometimes Compatible

Larger haps such as venustus, Fuscodichromis, and small Africans such as julidochromis.

Rarely Compatible

Shrimp and nano aquarium fish like neon tetras, ember tetras, and also very aggressive South American cichlids such as the Oscars and Jaguar Cichlids.

Feeding your Blue Peacock

Blue Peacocks like other peacock cichlids are very easy to feed. It is an opportunistic feeder and will readily eat a wide range of dry, fresh, and frozen foods. Their diet should contain good quality African cichlid pellets with high contents of spirulina or greens. Feeding should occur once a day and it is best to do so during the day.