{"product_id":"malawi-cichlid-for-sale-uk-chiloelo-peccock-aulonocara-sp-1510","title":"Chiloelo Peccock Cichlid (Aulonocara sp. chiloelo) — 4-5cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview of Chiloelo Peccock Cichlid\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003emalawi cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e, scientifically known as \u003cem\u003eAulonocara sp. chiloelo\u003c\/em\u003e, a colorful malawi peacock cichlid with striking display behavior, ideal for hard, alkaline african cichlid setups.. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to Lake Malawi, East Africa; endemic to the Chiloelo area\/region of Lake Malawi, this moderate-care species belongs to the Cichlidae family and has earned a loyal following among UK aquarists for its unique characteristics and manageable requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eQuick Facts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAulonocara sp. chiloelo\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cichlidae\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e about 10-15 cm cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank:\u003c\/strong\u003e 200 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance and Distinguishing Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis beautiful cichlid displays vibrant coloration that intensifies with age and during breeding. Males typically show more intense colors than females, with finnage that becomes more elaborate as they mature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we select only the healthiest specimens with vibrant coloration and active behavior, ensuring you receive premium quality fish for your aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat and Origin\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003eAulonocara sp. chiloelo\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits lake malawi, east africa; endemic to the chiloelo area\/region of lake malawi. Understanding their natural environment helps us replicate optimal conditions in the home aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe African Rift Lakes are renowned for their hard, alkaline water with exceptional clarity and stability. Rocky substrates and territorial breeding behaviors have shaped the evolution of these remarkable cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup and Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA minimum tank size of \u003cstrong\u003e200 litres\u003c\/strong\u003e is essential for housing Chiloelo Peccock Cichlid. Larger aquariums provide more stable water chemistry and greater swimming space, both critical for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCreate a rocky aquascape with numerous caves and territories. Use coral sand or crushed coral substrate to help maintain alkaline pH. Ensure strong filtration to handle the bioload of active cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest in quality filtration capable of turning over the tank volume 4-6 times per hour, and perform regular 25-30% water changes weekly to maintain pristine conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExpert Tip\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake time to acclimate new fish slowly (1-2 hours drip acclimation) to prevent shock. Patience during introduction pays dividends in long-term health and survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWater Parameters and Chemistry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining correct water parameters is crucial for the health of Chiloelo Peccock Cichlid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-26C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.5-8.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e See species-specific requirements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm (zero tolerance)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Below 20 ppm ideally\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfrican Rift Lake cichlids require hard, alkaline water (GH 10-20°, KH 8-15°). Use Rift Lake mineral salts or crushed coral to maintain stable buffering capacity. Never use driftwood or peat, which lower pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInvest in quality test kits and check parameters weekly. Stability is more important than hitting exact numbers - avoid sudden changes that stress fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding and Nutrition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a omnivore, Chiloelo Peccock Cichlid requires a carefully balanced diet to maintain optimal health and coloration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHigh-quality cichlid pellets or flakes supplemented with frozen or live foods such as mysis, brine shrimp, krill, and insect larvae; include some vegetable matter and avoid high-fat or mammal-based...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVary the diet between quality flakes\/pellets, frozen foods (bloodworms, daphnia, brine shrimp), and occasional fresh vegetables. Nutritional variety promotes vibrant colors, strong immunity, and natural behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove uneaten food after 3-5 minutes to prevent water quality degradation. A single weekly fasting day can benefit digestion and overall health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour and Temperament\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Chiloelo Peccock Cichlid is classified as \u003cstrong\u003esemi-aggressive\u003c\/strong\u003e, though individual personality can vary with age, tank size, and stocking density.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect territorial behavior, especially during breeding or in undersized tanks. Provide ample space and visual barriers to reduce conflict. This species may view smaller fish as food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain hard, alkaline water with strong filtration and regular water changes. Provide open swimming space plus caves\/rockwork, and keep only with tankmates that can handle Malawi cichlid...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompatible Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose tankmates carefully to ensure a harmonious community aquarium:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatible species include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther similarly sized Lake Malawi peacock cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHaplochromine cichlids of similar temperament and size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSynodontis catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid housing with:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly aggressive cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFin-nipping species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery small shrimp or fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoft-water fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlways research specific compatibility and introduce new fish gradually, monitoring behavior closely during the first few weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding and Reproduction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaternal mouthbrooder; males display and defend small territories, and females incubate eggs in the mouth for about 3 weeks. Provide a ratio of one male to several females and plenty of rockwork and...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a mouthbrooding species, females carry eggs in the mouth for 3-4 weeks. During this period, they do not feed and should not be disturbed. Provide a stress-free environment with stable water conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy Chiloelo Peccock Cichlid from Tropical Fish Co UK\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you choose Tropical Fish Co for your malawi cichlid purchase, you benefit from:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Quality:\u003c\/strong\u003e Every fish is quarantined, health-checked, and feeding well before dispatch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eExpert Selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e We hand-pick active, vibrant specimens with excellent coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafe Delivery:\u003c\/strong\u003e Specialist courier service with heat packs and double-bagged packaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee:\u003c\/strong\u003e We stand behind every shipment with our comprehensive guarantee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOngoing Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Expert care advice available whenever you need it\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith decades of combined experience in the UK aquarium trade, we understand what makes healthy, thriving fish. Our Chiloelo Peccock Cichlid specimens are among the finest malawi cichlid available online today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOrder with confidence knowing you're purchasing from a trusted UK specialist. We're passionate about connecting aquarists with exceptional fish for sale UK wide.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57427497582927,"sku":"1510","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/chiloelo-peccock-cichlid-aulonocara-sp-chiloelo-4-5cm-hero-driftwood-1510.webp?v=1776549025","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/malawi-cichlid-for-sale-uk-chiloelo-peccock-aulonocara-sp-1510","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}