Eureka Red Peacock 5cm

Eureka Red Peacock

African peacock cichlids have a massive cult following of their own. With so many colour variations, a mixed peacock aquarium is a true spectacle, full of activity and colour. These fish are often considered one of the best alternatives to a saltwater aquarium because of their vibrant appearance, and many popular colour strains have been developed in captivity through line breeding. For African cichlid keepers searching for a more natural fish, the Eureka Red Peacock is a great consideration. Although naturally occurring, Eureka Red Peacocks are still incredibly vibrant and contrasting fish that rival even the most stunning captive-bred peacock strains.

The blend of both complementary and contrasting colours is stunning in this peacock cichlid, with the base body colour being a mix of purples and blues. These colours appear in both flat and metallic tones, which highlight the scales and other parts of the fish. They also have dark purple banding across the body, further contrasted by orange through the face and fins. These fish can grow fairly large, reaching up to 17 cm, and African peacocks in general are commonly known to be semi-aggressive.

However, they usually display aggression only when it comes to territory, social hierarchy, and breeding. Identifying males and females in Eureka Red Peacocks is fairly easy. The easiest method is to look at the colours and fin structure: males are much more vibrant and may even develop a nuchal hump, whereas females are smaller, less colourful and have more rounded fins. Peacock cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning the female carries the eggs in her mouth and later releases fully formed fry. This behaviour makes them an excellent species to breed in the aquarium.

Tank Recommendations for your Eureka Red Peacock

The Eureka Red Peacock is a very active fish that requires an aquarium of at least 470 litres and a minimum length of around 4 feet. The main consideration for these fish is the aquarium environment itself. Since Eureka Red Peacock cichlids can be territorial with one another, it is best to provide plenty of visual barriers throughout the tank.

These fish also require a higher pH of around 8.0, which can be maintained through the use of crushed coral, aragonite sand, and conditioning salts. To make the colours of the Eureka Red Peacock stand out even more, a blue background can be very effective. Peacock cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth before releasing them into a safe place in the aquarium.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Eureka Red Peacock is relatively peaceful and can be kept with other colour variations of peacock cichlids. Overstocking peacocks in aquariums is sometimes practiced to reduce aggression and territorial behaviour, but this can lead to increased water changes and maintenance. A better approach is to keep a moderate number of fish in a large aquarium with plenty of visual barriers. They can also be considered for mixed setups with peaceful mbuna and haps.

Usually Compatible

Other African peacocks, such as Dragon Blood and Neon Blue varieties, as well as other common species such as Electric Yellow Labs.

Sometimes Compatible

Larger haps such as Venustus and Fuscodichromis, and smaller African species such as Julidochromis.

Rarely Compatible

Shrimp and nano aquarium fish such as neon tetras and ember tetras, as well as very aggressive South American cichlids such as Oscars and Jaguar cichlids.

Feeding your Eureka Red Peacock

Eureka Red Peacocks, like other peacock cichlids, are very easy to feed. They are opportunistic feeders and will readily accept a wide range of foods, including dry, fresh and frozen options. Their diet should consist primarily of high-quality African cichlid pellets with a good proportion of spirulina or other vegetable matter. Feeding these fish once a day is generally sufficient.