🌞 Benga Sunshine Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara baenschi) – Live Freshwater Fish
Bring a burst of radiant color to your aquarium with the Benga Sunshine Peacock Cichlid, also known as the Nkhomo-Benga Peacock or Yellow Regal Peacock. Native to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, this striking species is renowned for its vibrant yellow body complemented by shimmering blue accents, making it a standout addition to any freshwater setup.​
 
🐟 Key Features:
Scientific Name: Aulonocara baenschi
Common Names: Benga Sunshine Peacock, Nkhomo-Benga Peacock, Yellow Regal Peacock
Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
Adult Size: Up to 13 cm (5 inches)
Lifespan: 6–10 years with proper care
Temperament: Generally peaceful; males may exhibit territorial behavior during breeding
Diet: Omnivorous; thrives on high-quality cichlid pellets, supplemented with frozen or live foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms​
 
🏡 Aquarium Requirements:
Minimum Tank Size: 208 liters (55 gallons)
Water Temperature: 23–27°C (73–81°F)
pH Level: 7.5–8.5
Water Hardness: 10–30 dGH
Tank Setup: Provide a sandy substrate with plenty of rocks and caves to mimic their natural habitat and offer hiding spots.
 
🧬 Breeding & Behavior:
Benga Sunshine Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders. During breeding, males display intensified coloration to attract females. After spawning, females carry the fertilized eggs in their mouths for about three weeks until the fry are ready to be released. Maintaining a male-to-female ratio of 1:3 is recommended to reduce aggression and encourage natural breeding behaviors.​
 
🤝 Compatibility:
This species coexists well with other peaceful to semi-aggressive Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size. Suitable tank mates include other Aulonocara species, Electric Yellow Cichlids (Labidochromis caeruleus), and larger tetras. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive species or those with significantly different water parameter requirements.​