Blue Orchid Peacock

Aulonocara kandeense is a peacock cichlid known in the hobby as the "blue orchid". It used to be considered a subspecies of Aulonocara maylandi; today it is recognized as a separate species. Mature males are bright cobalt blue from head to tail, fins included, and there is no yellow or orange on their bodies. Females are brown-gray with dark bars. Like other Aulonocara species, it detects its prey in the sand with the sensory pits on its head.

• At least 300 liters and 120–150 cm in length for a group.
• Fine sand substrate; rock groups with caves along the sides.
• Hard and alkaline water (pH 7.8–8.5); aragonite substrate or Malawi salt.
• Strong filtration and weekly 30–50% water changes.

Carnivorous. A sinking cichlid pellet should be the staple; it is varied with frozen mysis, brine shrimp and cyclops. Bloodworms and foods containing mammalian meat should be avoided.

Males set up small territories on the sand and are competitive, especially toward other blue males. In the same aquarium as aggressive mbuna, it is bullied. It hybridizes easily with other Aulonocara species.

Good companions: yellow or orange Aulonocara males such as Aulonocara baenschi, Copadichromis borleyi, red empress, Synodontis catfish suited to hard water.

Avoid: other blue Aulonocara males, aggressive mbuna, large predatory haps, community fish, shrimp and snails.