Lake Malawi cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Genus:	Aulonocara
Type locality:	Nkhomo Reef, approximately 8 km west of Benga, Lake Malawi.
Biotope:	Intermediate habitat consisting of scattered rocks on a sandy bottom. Occurs mainly at depths of about 15–20 m, with generally low visibility.
Geographic distribution:	Endemic to Lake Malawi. Known only from a single large reef about 5 km offshore north of Benga, opposite the Nkhomo River.
Typical adult size:	Males up to 12 cm; females up to 9 cm.
Sexual dimorphism:	Pronounced. Males are brightly yellow with blue facial markings, while females are smaller and much more subdued in coloration.
Recommended aquarium size:	300 L (minimum tank length 120 cm)
Aquarium setup:	Fine sand substrate with open sandy areas interrupted by small groups of rocks. Rocks should provide caves and visual boundaries for territorial males. Keep one male with 2–4 females. House only with other peaceful cichlids; mbuna are generally too aggressive for this species.
Diet:	Carnivorous. Feeds on small invertebrates and crustaceans living in the sand. Prey is detected using enlarged cephalic sensory pores characteristic of the genus.
Breeding:	Maternal mouthbrooder. Males maintain territories centered around caves, often using pre-existing spawning sites. Spawning occurs at the bottom level of the reef; females occur singly or in small groups.
Aggression:	Low. A peaceful species that is easily intimidated by more aggressive cichlids. Best kept only with calm, non-aggressive tankmates.
Special notes:	Commonly known in the hobby as the Benga Peacock. Closely resembles yellow forms of the Aulonocara stuartgranti complex but differs by its rounder snout and more slender body shape in wild specimens. Aulonocara baenschi is listed as Critically Endangered due to severe over-collection for the aquarium trade. Although widely bred in captivity, wild populations are extremely restricted and should not be further exploited. Several yellow peacock populations (e.g. from Maleri, Chidunga Rocks, and Usisya) have historically been misidentified as this species.