Sulphur Head Peacock

Aulonocara maylandi is a peacock cichlid known in the hobby as the "sulphur head". The dark blue body of mature males combines with a yellow or whitish stripe that starts at the snout and runs over the top of the head to the dorsal fin. Females are brown-gray, dark-barred and plain. Like other Aulonocara species, it detects its prey in the sand with the large sensory pits on its head and is calmer than the mbuna.

• 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 can lead to Malawi bloat.

Males set up a small territory on the sand and display their colors. In the same aquarium as aggressive mbuna, they lose their colors and hide. Aulonocara species hybridize easily; a single species should be kept in a harem aquarium.

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

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