Nkhomo-benga Peacock Cichlid

Aulonocara baenschi

Nkhomo-benga Peacock Cichlid is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in)
Aquarium size: 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 24–28 °C
pH: 7.5–8.5
GH: 8–20 dGH
KH: 6–10 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 8–20 dGH, KH 6–10 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Nkhomo-benga Peacock Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Nkhomo-benga Peacock Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Malawi.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 11 cm (≤ 4.3 in) 24–27 °C Barred Rainbowfish Chilatherina fasciata Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in) 28–32 °C African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 22–26 °C Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in) 23–27 °C Black Chin Tetra Piabucus melanostoma Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in) 22–27 °C African Glass Catfish Pareutropius debauwi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 22–27 °C

FAQ

How large does Nkhomo-benga Peacock Cichlid get?

Nkhomo-benga Peacock Cichlid reaches ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in).

What aquarium size does Nkhomo-benga Peacock Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 200 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.

Is Nkhomo-benga Peacock Cichlid peaceful?

Yes. Nkhomo-benga Peacock Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Nkhomo-benga Peacock Cichlid?

Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.