Peacock Mamelela - Undu Reef 7cm

Peacock Mamelela - Undu Reef

African peacock cichlids have a massive cult following of their own. With so many colour variations a mixed peacock aquarium is a true spectacle to see with all the activity and colour. These fish are often the best alternative to a saltwater aquarium because of how vibrant these cichlids are and many of the popular colour strains have been developed in captivity through line breeding. For the Malawi peacock purists or for African cichlid keepers searching for a more natural fish, then the Undu reef peacock would be a great consideration. 

Undu reef peacocks get their name from the location they are found in Lake Malawi and these are fish that really do look like they could pass off as saltwater anthia fish. The blend of both complimenting and contrasting colours is stunning in this peacock cichlid with the base body colour being a mix of purples and blues, these are present both in a flat and metallic colour that really highlights the scales and other parts of the fish. They also have patches of earthy browns that appear as banding across the body which are further contrasted by orange through the face and fins. These fish do get fairly large since they max out at 17 cm and African peacocks in general are commonly known to be semi-aggressive fish. They however only display aggression when it comes to territory, social hierarchy, and breeding. 

Trying to find the males and females in Undu reef peacocks is fairly easy. The easiest method is to look at the colours and fin structure, males will be much more vibrant and may even possess a nuchal hump whereas females will be smaller, have fewer colours and more rounded fins. 

Tank Recommendations for your Peacock Mamelela - Undu Reef 

The bi-colour peacock is a very active fish that needs a tank that is at least 470 liters and around 4 feet minimum length. The main consideration for these fish is actually the aquarium environment itself. Since dragon-blood peacock cichlids can be aggressive to one another, it is best to have a lot of visual breaks in the tank.

These fish also need a higher PH of around 8.0, this can be maintained through the use of crushed coral or aragonite sand and conditioning salts. To also make the colours pop on the bi-colour peacocks, keeping them on a blue background would also be great. Peacock cichlids are maternal mouth brooders meaning the female will raise the eggs and fry them in her mouth before spitting them into a safe place in the aquarium. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Undu reef peacock is fairly peaceful and can be kept with other colour variations of the peacock species. Overstocking peacocks in aquariums is common to avoid aggression or territorial behaviour, 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 types of 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 Peacock Mamelela - Undu Reef 

Undu reef peacocks like other peacock cichlids are very easy to feed. It is an opportunistic feeder and will readily eat a wide range of foods both dry, fresh, and frozen. Their diet should contain good quality African cichlid pellets with high contents of spirulina or greens. Feeding these fish once a day will be perfectly fine.