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BACK TO FISH
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Here at Pet City Joondalup we stock
a large range of tropical fish and can take customer orders
for any of the Cichlids listed on this page. Please phone your
order through after reading how to make a customer order
Lake Malawi in eastern Africa is the ninth largest lake in
the world, some 600 kilometres long and up to 80 kilometres
in width. It
is home to a vast array of Cichlids (more than 850 species);
virtually all of these species are endemic to the lake
(i.e. they occur nowhere else.)
Many of these Cichlids are very popular as aquarium fish,
because of their lively behaviour and bright colours (often
rivaling
the intensity of marine fishes.) They are also very
easy to care for, breed readily and are quite hardy.
The water in Lake Malawi is alkaline (pH 7.8-8.5) and is moderately
hard. Using Rift Lake Conditioning Salts provides the water
requirements necessary for these fish. Being tropical fish,
a water temperature of 23-27 C is satisfactory. These fish
have strong appetites and will eat most fish foods, but it is
worth noting there are several products specifically designed
to meet the needs of these active fish (e.g. HBH cichlid foods.) Avoid
feeding beefheart or other fatty meats to these Cichlids, as
it can lead to health problems.
Most Malawi Cichlids are territorial to varying degrees, but
this can be managed in different ways such as:
Fully stock the aquarium rather than lightly stock it (thereby
diluting the effect of any overly aggressive individual, and
also making it harder to establish or hold territories.) Provide
plenty of cover (rocks, driftwoods, etc) in display or breeding
set-ups. Rearrange the aquarium decor whenever new fish
are added, thereby disrupting the territories of the original
occupants.
Virtually all Malawi Cichlids are mouthbrooders: the female
guards the eggs in her mouth until the fry are fully developed
(approximately 21 days.) These fish will readily breed
in both retail and home aquariums and a few fry often survive
amongst the rocks.
Many of these Cichlids occur in various distinct geographic
populations, this is especially common amongst rock dwelling
types. The rock-dwellers are often unwilling or unable
to cross sandy bays or open deep water to get to the next rocky
habitat and this can lead to isolated variations. (e.g
Male Peacocks Aulonocara stuartgranti can be
deep blue, blue/yellow or mostly yellow depending on locality.)
Learn everything you need to succesfully keep Cichlids by
checking out the following comprehensive Cichlid Guide in and
easy to download e-book - Cichlid
Secrets!
| ASSORTED
PEACOCK - Available in 5CM, 7CM and 10CM |
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The assorted peacock comprises a nice mix of
the more commonly available varieties such as
the Albino, Blue, Marbled, Red and Yellow. Peacocks
are relatively peaceful fish that can be kept
either on their own, or in a community of similar
sized Malawi Cichlids. In their natural
habitat, most Peacocks are smaller than 10cm
(a few types may reach 13cm). Captive fish,
fed a good diet in aquaria, generally exceed
these sizes. Some males may grow to 15cm
or more (females remain smaller).
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| ALBINO
PEACOCK available in 5CM and 7CM |
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An Albino form has occurred in a number
of the more commonly bred Peacocks such as from
the Blue Peacock. Peacocks are relatively
peaceful fish that can be kept either on their
own, or in a community of similar sized Malawi
Cichlids. Grows to about 12-15cm. |
| BLUE
PEACOCK - Available in 5CM and 7CM |
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The first Peacocks exported
from the lake were blue in colour, and today the
blue variety is still very popular. Peacocks
are relatively peaceful fish that can be kept either
on their own, or in a community of similar sized
Malawi Cichlids. |
| RED
JACOBFREIBERGI FIREBIRD PEACOCK - Available in
5CM and 7CM |
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The Firebird is a selectively bred form selected
for its pronounced red colours. Peacocks
are relatively peaceful fish that can be kept
either on their own, or in a community of similar
sized Malawi Cichlids.
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| MARBLED
PEACOCK available in 5CM and 7CM |
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Also known as OB Peacock (OB = orange
blotch), a very attractive selectively bred strain
with highly variable multicoloured markings. Peacocks
are relatively peaceful fish that can be kept either
on their own, or in a community of similar sized
Malawi Cichlids. |
| RED
PEACOCK available in 5CM and 7CM |
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The Red Peacock is another popular
selectively bred strain, mature males can display
an intense red colouration. Use dry foods
rich in natural carotenoids to bring out the fish's
best colours. Peacocks are relatively peaceful
fish that can be kept either on their own, or in
a community of similar sized Malawi Cichlids. |
| TANGERINE
PEACOCK - Available in 5CMand 7CM |
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Another popular selectively bred strain,
with its warm colours of yellow to red. Use
dry foods rich in nautral carotenoids to bring
out the fish's best colours. Peacocks are
relatively peaceful fish that can be kept either
on their own, or in a community of similar sized
Malawi Cichlids. |
| YELLOW
PEACOCK - Available in 5CM and 7CM |
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Several varieties of yellow peacocks occur in
the lake, males display a yellow or gold body
colour, often with some blue markings. Peacocks
are relatively peaceful fish that can be kept
either on their own, or in a community of similar
sized Malawi Cichlids.
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| AULONCOCARA
ETHELWYNNAE GERMAN 4CM |
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| AULONOCARA
KANDEENSIS - BLUE ORCHID 4.5CM |
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The Blue Orchid inhabits rocky areas
around Kande Island with two other peacock species. Mature
males are very distinctive, blue-black with a blue-white
blaze extending from the nose into the dorsal fin. Believed
to feed upon small snails in the wild. |
| AULONOCARA
LWANDA YELLOW TOP GERMAN 5CM |
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This species mainly inhabits sandy
areas. Males have a deep blue head and brightly
spotted fins, females are mainly silver with yellow
ventral and anal fins. They are relatively
peaceful fish that can be kept either on their
own, or in a community of similar sized Malawi
Cichlids. |
| AULONOCARA
STUARTGRANTI BLUE NEON GERMAN 5CM |
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One of the most widespread Peacocks
in the lake, stuartgranti exists in many variants. Males
from Chilumba in the northwestern section of
the lake are predominantly deep blue. It
is a relatively peaceful fish that can be kept
either on its own or in a community of similar
sized Malawi Cichlids. Maximum size 12-15cm. |
| AULONOCARA
STUARTGRANTI MONKEY BAY 4.5CM |
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One of the most widespread Peacocks in the lake,
stuartgranti exists in many variants. Males
from Monkey Bay near the southern tip of the
lake are deep blue with orange-red pelvic fins. It
is a relatively peaceful fish that can be kept
either on its own or in a community of similar
sized Malawi Cichlids. Maximum size 12-15cm.
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| AULONOCARA
STUARTGRANTI NGARA FLAMETAIL GERMAN - 4CM |
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The Flametail Peacock is a very attractive
population inhabitating the north-west coast area
of the lake. Mature males are deep blue with
a gold to orange tail, this latter colour also
extends into the body. |
| AULONOCARA
SP MALERI-MALERI ISLAND GERMAN 4.5CM |
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| CHAMPSOCHROMIS
SPILORHYNCHUS - available in 4.5CM |
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A streamlined predator which can grow
to 35cm+ in the wild, but is usually much smaller
in aquaria. Best kept in a large aquarium
with other large species. Mature males are
an impressive sight with their long flowing fins. Prefers
large sized foods. |
| CHILOTILAPIA
RHOADESII - available in 4.5CM |
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Snails are the preferred food for
this large cichlid, crushing smaller snails in
its mouth, or sucking larger ones out of the shell. Can
grow to 20cm or more, but not overly aggressive. A
good selection for a community aquarium of larger
Malawi cichlids. |
| COPADOCHROMIS
BORLEYI ORANGE SIDED - available in 4.5CM |
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| COPADOCHROMIS
BORLEYI RED FIN KADANGO - available in 4CM and
7CM |
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C.borleyi exists in a wide range of
different colour forms, each geographically isolated
from each other. One of the most popular
is the Kadango Red, females and juveniles have
attractive red fins, whereas mature males have
lighter coloured fins and a red body. Can
grow to 15cm or more, so best kept with other similar
sized species. |
| COPADOCHROMIS QUADRIMACULATUS - available
in 4CM |
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This is one of the larger species,
growing to 20cm+. Males are very impressive
with their large size and deep blue colouration. One
of a group of cichlids called Utaka by Lake Malawi's
human inhabitants, haplochromine cichlids that
live in large numbers in open water, feeding upon
zooplankton. |
| COPADOCHROMIS QUADRIMACULATUS - available
in 6CM |
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This is one of the larger species,
growing to 20cm+. Males are very impressive
with their large size and deep blue colouration. One
of a group of cichlids called Utaka by Lake Malawi's
human inhabitants, haplochromine cichlids that
live in large numbers in open water, feeding upon
zooplankton. |
| COPADOCHROMIS VIRGINALIS GOLD CREST - available
in 4.5CM |
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One of the smaller members of the
genus, mature males are dark bodied with a vivid
gold crest extending from the head through the
dorsal fin and into the tail. One of a group
of cichlids called Utaka by Lake Malawi's human
inhabitants, haplochromine cichlids that live in
large numbers in open water, feeding upon zooplankton. |
| CYNOTILAPIA
AFRA COBWE - available in 4CM, 5CM and 7CM |
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This small territorial species is
best kept in an aquarium containing plenty of rocks. Very
active and makes a great display. Also known
as the Yellow Afra. Like many rock-dwelling
Malawi Cichlids, this species has evolved into
a number of differently coloured populations, such
as this example found at Cobwe on the Mozambique
shoreline. Usually grows to about 8-9cm. |
| CYRTOCARA
MOORII - BLUE DOLPHIN - available in 4CM |
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A large relatively peaceful species
growing to 14-18cm. Both sexes are very similar,
the males have more pointed fins and larger humps
on their heads. A popular and easy to keep
species, ideal for a community aquarium of larger
Malawi cichlids. |
| DIMIDIOCHROMIS
STRIGATUS - available in 4CM |
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| PSEUDOTROPHEUS SALOUSI - available in 6CM |
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The Saulosi is a beautiful active
species, found only at Taiwan reef, near the
centre of the lake. Young fish and adult
females are completely bright yellow. Young
males are also yellow, but at about 5cm they
begin to darken, eventually turning blue-black
with bright blue vertical bars. This fish
is ideal for a Malawi community aquarium containing
small to medium sized species. Grows to
8-9cm. |
| SCIAENOCHROMIS FRYERI ELECTRIC BLUE - Available
in 4CM |
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Electric Blue is an apt name for
this very popular Cichlid. Males are a
vivid blue, rivaling any marine fish. In
the wild its diet is small fishes, but in captivity
it will eat any good quality aquarium food. An
undemanding and easy to keep species, grows to
13-15cm, sometimes larger. |
| SCIAENOCHROMIS FRYERI ICEBERG ELECTRIC BLUE
- Available in 5CM |
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The Iceberg is an attractive lighter
coloured variation of this popular species. In
the wild its diet is small fishes, but in captivity
it will eat any good quality aquarium food. An
undemanding and easy to keep species, grows to
13-15cm, sometimes larger. |
| METRIACLIMA SP. ZEBRA LONG PELVIC - Available
in 5CM and 6CM |
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Found in the northwestern region
of the lake, this is one of the rarer species
available. Displays a barred body superficially
similar to the well known Zebra, but with a light
blue to lilac colour. An aggressive species,
but very attractive, grows to about 10cm. Females
have a similar colour pattern to the males but
not as colourful. |
| COBALT BLUE ZEBRA (M. CALLAINOS) - Available
in 4CM |
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The Cobalt Blue is a very appealing
fish, as even very young specimens are a vivid
light blue in colour. Very active and can
be aggressive, but otherwise a hardy and easy
to keep species. Best kept with other robust
Malawi cichlids in a large aquarium. Usually
grows to 12-14cm. |
| ORANGE BLOTCH ZEBRA (M. ZEBRA) - Available
in 4CM, 5CM, 6CM and 8CM |
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The Orange Blotch is an attractive
form of Zebra often simply referred to as the
OB Zebra. Specimens display a mosaic of
colour which may include orange, blue, black,
brown or yellow in varying amounts and hues. A
very hardy and active fish, growing to 12-14cm. |
| RED ZEBRA (M. ESTHERAE) - Available in 6CM |
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Red Zebras are very appealing with
their bright red colouration and active manner. Robust
and easy to keep, grows to 12cm or more. Regularly
use foods rich in carotenoids, to enhance the
fish's natural red colour. |
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