Benga Peacock

Aulonocara baenschi, the Benga or yellow peacock, is a Lake Malawi endemic from the intermediate rock-and-sand zone around Nkhomo Reef. Males glow bright yellow with a metallic blue face; females are plain grey-brown. In nature these peacocks hover over sand and use sensory pores on the head to detect small invertebrates, so they are effectively micro-predators best fed a carnivore diet of quality pellets and frozen mysis or brine shrimp, avoiding overly rich foods that cause bloat. Keep one male with several females in a tank of at least 250 litres with open sand, scattered rocks and caves. Water must be hard and alkaline, 24-28°C, pH 7.7-8.6. Combine with other peacocks or gentle Haplochromis rather than aggressive mbuna, which outcompete them.