Fish
Emperor Cichlid
Aulonocara nyassae
Origin: The emperor cichlid is endemic to Lake Malawi (Nyasa) in East Africa. It inhabits the transition zones between rock and sand, where it hunts small invertebrates buried in the substrate, detecting them with sensory pores on the head.
Also known as: Nyasa peacock, Aulonocara nyassae
Fact sheet
- Size
- 15 cm
- Lifespan
- 9 years
- Minimum tank size
- 200 L
- Temperature
- 24–28 °C
- pH
- 7.6–8.6
- Hardness GH
- 10–25 °dH
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Social behavior
- Harem
- Group size
- 4+ individuals
- Swimming zone
- Middle, Bottom
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Jumps out
- Yes
- Eats plants
- No
Overview
The emperor cichlid is one of the classic aulonocara ('peacock cichlids') of Malawi, known for the sumptuous metallic-blue colour of dominant males. It is a comparatively calm Malawi cichlid with an interesting hunting method: it hovers over the sand and detects prey movement through sensory pores on its head. Keep it as a harem in a tank with hard, alkaline water, a sandy bottom, and rocky cover. It mixes well with other small Malawi cichlids.
Appearance
The body is sturdy and elongated, 13–15 cm long. A dominant male glows metallic blue with a blue head and yellow-orange glints on the flanks and fins; females and juveniles are grey-brown and inconspicuous. The head bears large sensory pores for finding prey in the sand. Sexual dimorphism is strong.
Care
A tank of at least 200 L with a sandy bottom, groups of rocks, and open space. Temperature 24–28 °C, pH 7.6–8.6, hardness GH 10–25 — hard, alkaline water. Powerful filtration, good aeration, and 25–30% weekly water changes are needed. Cover reduces clashes, and sand lets the fish feed naturally.
Feeding
An omnivorous micro-predator. The diet is based on quality Malawi-cichlid pellets and flakes plus frozen brine shrimp, cyclops, and mysis. Excess fatty protein (tubifex, beef heart) causes bloat and is avoided. Feed small portions once or twice daily.
Compatibility
A comparatively peaceable Malawi cichlid. It mixes well with other aulonocara, utaka, and calm haplochromines of similar size. Keep as a harem — one male to 3–4 females. Do not combine with aggressive mbuna or small fish.
Breeding
The female is a mouthbrooder. After the male's display and spawning on sand, the female takes the eggs into her mouth and incubates them for about 3 weeks without feeding, then releases the fry. Breeding is easy; it is important not to cross different aulonocara species and lines.
Fun facts
Aulonocara are called 'peacock cichlids' for the bright iridescent colour of males. The head sensory pores let them detect the movement of invertebrates buried in sand. Many selective, often hybrid, aulonocara colour lines are sold.