Pale Usisya aulonocara (Aulonocara steveni)
Pale Usisya aulonocara (Aulonocara steveni)
Overview
The Pale Usisya Aulonocara, scientifically known as Aulonocara steveni, is a striking Lake Malawi peacock cichlid with a calm but territorial nature that thrives in spacious hard-water cichlid setups. Available for malawi cichlids for sale, this species reaches up to 4.5cm in length and requires a tank of at least 80 litres. Endemic to Lake Malawi, the Pale Usisya Aulonocara is an excellent choice for aquarists seeking a manageable peacock cichlid with rewarding mouthbrooding breeding behaviour.
Appearance
A striking peacock cichlid with metallic colours. Males display vivid blues, yellows, and oranges. Females and juveniles are more subdued. The fins are elongated and colourful.
Natural Habitat
Endemic to Lake Malawi, Malawi, East Africa. Inhabits sandy areas adjacent to rocky structures. Lake Malawi is famous for its hard, alkaline water.
Aquarium Setup
A minimum tank size of 80 litres is suitable. Use fine sand substrate, create rockscape with caves and open swimming areas. Filtration must be excellent. Maintain hard, alkaline water (pH 7.6-8.6).
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 24-28°C
- pH: 7.6-8.6
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
- Adult Size: 4.5cm
- Minimum Tank Size: 80 litres
Feeding
Carnivorous. Feed quality cichlid pellets designed for Malawi haps, supplemented with frozen/live foods such as brine shrimp, mysis, krill, daphnia, and insect larvae in moderation.
Behaviour
Males are territorial and defend small territories. Females are less territorial and often form loose groups.
Tank Mates
Suitable: other peaceful Malawi haps/peacocks of similar size, Synodontis catfish, robust, non-aggressive bottom-dwelling catfish. Avoid small fish, highly aggressive cichlids, overly territorial mbuna in small tanks, fin-nipping species, and delicate community fish.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder. Males display and defend small territories, and females incubate eggs and fry in the mouth for several weeks.
Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co
Tropical Fish Co offers healthy Pale Usisya Aulonocara with expert guidance on peacock cichlid care. With secure packaging and reliable delivery, we make it easy to buy tropical fish online UK with confidence.