Red Shoulder Peacock

Aulonocara hansbaenschi is a peacock cichlid known in the hobby as the "red flush". The blue head and fins of mature males combine with an orange-red area behind the pectoral fin that spreads over the chest and shoulder. Females are brown-gray with dark bars. Like other Aulonocara species, it finds small creatures in the sand with the sensory pits on its head; it is a calm species.

• At least 300 liters and 120–150 cm in length for a group.
• Fine sand substrate and 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 defend a small territory on the sand and display their colors to other males. Kept with aggressive species, their colors fade. It hybridizes easily with other Aulonocara species.

Good companions: Aulonocara males of different colors, Copadichromis borleyi, Placidochromis electra, Otopharynx lithobates, Synodontis catfish suited to hard water.

Avoid: aggressive mbuna, large predatory haps, community fish, shrimp and snails.