Dragon Blood Peacock Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

The Dragon Blood Peacock is a selectively bred Aulonocara-type cichlid prized for its intense red, orange and pink coloration. Mature males commonly develop a vivid red body with contrasting blue or iridescent facial markings, while individual fish can vary considerably because the name is used for several related bloodlines and hybrids.

Like other peacock cichlids, it is a relatively open-water Malawi cichlid that searches sand and fine sediment for small invertebrates. It is generally less aggressive than many rock-dwelling mbuna, although males may become territorial around spawning sites and can display impressively to rivals.

The wild Aulonocara species behind this aquarium strain inhabit the clear, alkaline waters of Lake Malawi. They are often associated with sandy areas beside rocky habitats, where their sensitive lateral-line systems help them detect prey beneath the substrate.

Dragon Blood Peacocks are captive-bred ornamental fish and should not be treated as a pure natural species. Their final colour, body shape and temperament can differ between breeders, and mixed breeding may produce offspring with unpredictable markings.

The Dragon Blood Peacock is a selectively bred aquarium strain rather than a naturally occurring species, so it has no single wild origin. Its ancestry is associated with Aulonocara peacock cichlids from Lake Malawi in East Africa, where the genus is naturally found.

A group should be kept in an aquarium of at least 250 litres, with a footprint of roughly 120 cm by 45 cm; a larger aquarium is preferable for multiple males or a mixed Malawi community. Use fine sand or smooth, rounded gravel, arrange rocks into caves and visual barriers, and leave generous open areas for swimming and sifting. Strong filtration, good oxygenation and stable alkaline water are important, while hardy plants such as Anubias may be used if desired, although many specimens will uproot or disturb vegetation.

Males can reach about 15 cm (6 inches) in length, while females are usually smaller at approximately 10–12 cm (4–4.7 inches). Aquarium size and the particular bloodline can affect the final adult length.

Offer a varied diet based on quality cichlid pellets or granules, supplemented with spirulina or other vegetable-rich foods and occasional frozen or live foods such as mysis shrimp, daphnia and brine shrimp. Feed modest portions once or twice daily, and avoid making high-fat mammalian or bird-based foods a regular part of the diet. A varied, controlled feeding routine helps maintain colour without encouraging digestive problems.

Suitable companions include other peaceful peacock cichlids and similarly sized, relatively calm Lake Malawi haps, provided the aquarium is spacious and carefully stocked. Avoid aggressive mbuna, highly territorial Malawi species, very timid fish, slow-moving community fish and other Dragon Blood or Aulonocara males with similar colour patterns, as they may be harassed or hybridisation may occur. Do not combine them with fish requiring soft, acidic water.

Dragon Blood Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders. Use one mature male with several females, provide open sand and rockwork, and condition the fish with a varied, protein-rich diet. After spawning, the female carries the fertilised eggs and developing fry in her mouth for around three weeks. She may be left to release the fry naturally or moved carefully to a separate aquarium, although stripping eggs or fry is best left to experienced breeders. Young fish accept newly hatched brine shrimp and finely powdered foods.

Males are typically larger and much more brightly coloured, developing red-orange bodies with stronger blue or iridescent facial and fin markings. Females are generally smaller and less ornate, with a silver, beige or grey-brown base colour and subdued patterning.