OB Peacock Cichlid: (Hybrid) Species Profile and Best Care Guide

This hybrid Cichlid is a result of crossing a male Aulonocara with a female Mbuna, both of which are native to Lake Malawi in eastern Africa. The OB gene, which stands for orange blotch, gives this fish its distinctive pattern of spots and stripes in various colors, such as electric blues, vibrant yellows, and fiery reds.

What is an OB Peacock Cichlid?

The OB Peacock Cichlid is not a natural species but an aquarium strain that hobbyists created. It is a hybrid of two different types of Malawi Cichlids: the Aulonocara and the Mbuna.

The Aulonocara are also known as Malawi Peacocks because of their stunning colors and peaceful nature. They belong to the haplochromine group of Cichlids, which are characterized by having a single nostril on each side of the head. The Aulonocara have a slender body type and long dorsal fins that extend to the tail. They are usually found in the open water or over sandy areas of Lake Malawi, where they feed on small animals that live on the substrate.

The Mbuna are also haplochromines but have a different lifestyle and appearance. They are more robust and have shorter dorsal fins than the Aulonocara. They live in rocky habitats along the shoreline of Lake Malawi, where they graze on algae and other plant matter. They are also more aggressive and territorial than the Aulonocara.

The OB Peacock Cichlid is a hybrid of these two groups, usually involving a male Aulonocara and a female Mbuna. This is because male Aulonocara are more colorful and attractive than female Aulonocara, while female Mbuna are more likely to carry the OB gene than male Mbuna. The result is a fish that has the body shape and coloration of an Aulonocara but with the spotted pattern of a Mbuna.

The most common type of OB Peacock Cichlid is based on the Aulonocara stuartgranti, which comes in many color varieties depending on its location in Lake Malawi. Some examples are the Ngara Flametail Peacock, the Usisya Flavescent Peacock, and the Eureka Red Peacock. However, other types of Aulonocara can also be used to create OB Peacocks, such as the Aulonocara jacobfreibergi or the Aulonocara baenschi.

How Big Do OB Peacock Cichlids Get?

The size of an OB Peacock Cichlid depends on several factors, such as its genetics, diet, water quality, and tank size. However, on average, an adult OB Peacock Cichlid can grow up to 6 inches in length.

The male OB Peacocks tend to be larger and more colorful than the female OB Peacocks. This is because they have sexual dimorphism, which means that they have different physical characteristics based on their gender. The male OB Peacocks also develop a prominent forehead or nuchal hump when they reach maturity.

What Do OB Peacock Cichlids Look Like?

The OB Peacock Cichlid is one of the most eye-catching fish you can find in the aquarium hobby. It has a dazzling display of colors and patterns that make it stand out from other fish.

Depending on its genetic background, the base color of an OB Peacock Cichlid can vary from blue to yellow to red. However, what makes it unique is its spotted pattern that covers most of its body. The spots can be orange, yellow, white, or black and can be arranged differently. Some OB Peacocks have large spots that form stripes or bands across their body, while others have small spots that create a speckled effect.

The fins of an OB Peacock Cichlid are also colorful and often have contrasting edges or tips. The dorsal fin runs along the back of the fish from the head to the tail and can also have spots or stripes. The anal fin is under the tail and can have egg spots or ocelli used for mating purposes. The caudal fin or tail fin can be rounded or forked with either spots or stripes. The pectoral fins are located on each side of the body behind the gills and are used for steering and balance. The pelvic fins are located under the belly near the anus and are used for stability and braking.

The head of an OB Peacock Cichlid has a pointed snout and large eyes that can be blue or yellow. The mouth is slightly protruding and has thick lips that help it suck up food from the substrate. The teeth are small and sharp and are used for crushing or scraping food.

How Long Do OB Peacock Cichlids Live?

The lifespan of an OB Peacock Cichlid depends on several factors, such as its genetics, diet, water quality, tank size, and stress level. However, on average, an OB Peacock Cichlid can live up to 10 years in captivity.

To ensure that your OB Peacock Cichlid lives a long and healthy life, you must provide optimal care and maintenance. This includes feeding it a balanced and varied diet, keeping its water clean and stable, providing it with enough space and hiding places, and avoiding overstocking or overcrowding your tank.

You also need to monitor your OB Peacock Cichlid for any signs of illness or disease, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, faded colors, clamped fins, white spots, sores, or parasites. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should isolate your sick fish and treat it accordingly with medication or natural remedies.

How Do You Care for an OB Peacock Cichlid?

Caring for an OB Peacock Cichlid is not very difficult, but it does require some attention and knowledge. Here are some important information and tips on how to care for your OB Peacock Cichlid:

Tank Size

The minimum tank size for an adult OB Peacock Cichlid is 55 gallons. However, the bigger, the better, as these fish are active and territorial. You should also provide them with enough room to swim freely and establish their own territories.

Tank Mates

The best tank mates for an OB Peacock Cichlid are other Malawi Cichlids of similar size and temperament. You should avoid keeping them with fish that are too small, too slow, or too peaceful, as they might get bullied or eaten by your OB Peacock. You should also avoid keeping them with fish that are too large, too aggressive, or too territorial, as they might harm or stress out your OB Peacock.

Some examples of suitable tank mates for an OB Peacock Cichlid are:

• Other types of Aulonocara or Malawi Peacocks
• Some types of Mbuna or rock-dwelling Cichlids (such as Labidochromis caeruleus or Pseudotropheus acei)
• Some types of Haplochromis or open-water Cichlids (such as Copadichromis borleyi or Nimbochromis venustus)
• Some types of Synodontis catfish (such as Synodontis multipunctatus or Synodontis petricola)

Before adding any new fish to your tank, ensure they are compatible with your existing fish. Then introduce them gradually and monitor their behavior closely.

Water Parameters

The water parameters for an OB Peacock Cichlid should mimic those of Lake Malawi in eastern Africa. This means that they prefer hard water with lots of minerals and a high pH level.

The ideal water parameters for an OB Peacock Cichlid are:

• Temperature: 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C)
• pH: 7.8 to 8.6
• Hardness: 10 to 18 dGH (178 to 321 ppm)
• Ammonia: 0 ppm
• Nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: < 40 ppm

Crushed coral, limestone rocks, or buffer products increase your water’s hardness and pH level. Similarly, driftwood, peat moss, or almond leaves will lower your water’s hardness and pH level. However, you should avoid using any chemicals or additives that might alter your water parameters too much or too fast.

Diet

The OB Peacock Cichlid is an omnivorous fish that can eat various foods in the wild and in captivity. But they prefer a protein-rich diet that consists mainly of animal matter.

The best foods for an OB Peacock Cichlid are:

• Live foods (such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, or mosquito larvae)
• Frozen foods (such as mysis shrimp, krill, or plankton)
• Cichlid pellets or flakes (especially those that are formulated for Malawi Cichlids)
• Spirulina or algae wafers (as a supplement or treat)

You should feed your OB Peacock Cichlid once or twice a day and only give them as much food as they can eat in a few minutes. You should also vary their diet regularly to prevent boredom and nutritional deficiencies.

Avoid feeding your OB Peacock Cichlid any foods that are too high in fat or carbohydrates, such as beef heart, tubifex worms, or bread. These foods can cause digestive problems or obesity in your fish. Hopefully, it goes without saying, but avoid feeding your OB Peacock Cichlid any foods that are too low in quality or freshness, such as expired or contaminated foods.

Decoration

The decoration of your tank should provide your OB Peacock Cichlid with a natural and comfortable environment that resembles its native habitat in Lake Malawi. This means that you should use sand or gravel as your substrate and add plenty of rocks and caves to create hiding places and territories for your fish.

You can also add some plants to your tank to provide some shade and oxygen for your fish. However, you should choose hardy plants that can tolerate your water’s high pH and hardness. Some examples of suitable plants for an OB Peacock Cichlid tank are:

• Anubias
• Java fern
• Java moss
• Hornwort
• Vallisneria

Don’t use plants that are delicate or require soft water, such as Amazon sword, Cryptocoryne, or Hygrophila. These plants will not survive in your tank and might die or rot. Invasive or fast-growing plants, such as duckweed, water lettuce, or water hyacinth, are also not recommended. These plants will take over your tank and block the light and oxygen for your fish.

Arrange your decoration to create different zones and levels in your tank. You should leave some open swimming space and shaded areas for resting. Creating some boundaries and barriers also helps prevent aggression and territorial disputes among your fish.

Lighting

The lighting of your tank should provide your OB Peacock Cichlid with a natural and comfortable environment that resembles their native habitat in Lake Malawi. This means that you should use a bright and full-spectrum light that mimics the sun and enhances the colors of your fish.

Use a timer to control the lighting cycle of your tank and simulate the day and night cycle of Lake Malawi unless you want to constantly be manually turning it on and off every day. You should provide your OB Peacock Cichlid with about 10 to 12 hours of light per day and about 12 to 14 hours of darkness per night.

Stay away from extremes, light that is too dim or too harsh for your fish. You should also avoid using light that is too blue or red for your fish. These lights can cause stress or algae growth in your tank.

How Do You Breed OB Peacock Cichlids?

Breeding OB Peacock Cichlids is not very difficult, but it does require some preparation and patience. Here are some important information and tips on how to breed your OB Peacock Cichlids:

Sexing

The first step to breeding OB Peacock Cichlids is to determine their gender. This can be tricky, as they are not easy to sex until they reach maturity. However, there are some clues that can help you tell them apart:

• The male OB Peacocks are larger and more colorful than the female OB Peacocks.
• The male OB Peacocks have a prominent forehead or nuchal hump when they reach maturity.
• The male OB Peacocks have egg spots or ocelli on their anal fins that are used for mating purposes.
• The female OB Peacocks have a more rounded belly when they are carrying eggs.

Observe their behavior closely; they will show signs of readiness when they are in breeding condition. Male OB Peacocks will become more aggressive and territorial and will display their bright colors and fins, like a mating ritual, to attract the female OB Peacocks. Female OB Peacocks will become more receptive and submissive and will follow the male OB Peacocks to their chosen spawning site.

Spawning

The second step to breeding OB Peacock Cichlids is to provide them with a suitable spawning site. This can be a cave, a flower pot, a PVC pipe, or any other structure that offers some privacy and protection for the pair.

The male OB Peacock will clean and prepare the spawning site and will guard it against other fish. He will then lure the female OB Peacock into the site by showing his egg spots on his anal fin. He will then perform a mating dance around her, nipping her gently and shaking his body.

The female OB Peacock will lay her eggs on the substrate, usually between 10 and 40 eggs per batch. She will then pick up the eggs in her mouth and incubate them for about 3 to 4 weeks. This is called mouth brooding, and it is a common trait among African Cichlids.

The male OB Peacock will then fertilize the eggs by releasing his milt near her mouth. He will then try to mate with other females in the tank, while the female OB Peacock will isolate herself from other fish.

Hatching

The third step to breeding OB Peacock Cichlids is to wait for the eggs to hatch. Depending on your tank’s temperature and water quality, this can take anywhere from 21 to 28 days.

During this time, the female OB Peacock will not eat anything, but she will occasionally spit out the eggs to aerate them and remove any dead ones. She will also move them around in her mouth to prevent them from sticking together.

You should not disturb the female OB Peacock during this period, as she might get stressed out or swallow the eggs. You should also monitor her closely for any signs of illness or disease, such as white spots, sores, or parasites. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should isolate her in a separate tank and treat her accordingly.

When the eggs hatch, the fry will still stay in the mother’s mouth for another week or so, until they absorb their yolk sacs. They will then start swimming out of her mouth, usually at night when it is dark and safe.

Raising

The fourth step to breeding OB Peacock Cichlids is raising the fry until adulthood. This can be challenging, as they are very small and vulnerable at this stage.

You have two options for raising the fry:

• Option 1: Leave them with their mother in the main tank. This is the most natural and least stressful option for both the mother and the fry. However, this also means that you have to deal with potential predators and competitors in the tank, such as other adult Cichlids or catfish. You also have to make sure that there is enough food and space for everyone in the tank.
• Option 2: Remove them from their mother and place them in a separate tank. This is the safest and most controlled option for both the mother and the fry. However, this also means that you have to separate them from their mother early, which might cause stress or trauma for both parties. You also have to provide them with adequate care and maintenance in their own tank.

Whichever option you choose, you need to provide your fry with optimal conditions for their growth and development. This includes feeding them a high-quality and high-protein diet, keeping their water clean and stable, providing them with enough space and hiding places, and avoiding overstocking or overcrowding their tank.

Feed your fry several times daily with small amounts of food they can easily swallow. Some examples of suitable foods for fry are:

• Live foods (such as baby brine shrimp, microworms, vinegar eels, or infusoria)
• Frozen foods (such as daphnia, cyclops, or artemia)
• Crushed flakes or pellets (especially those that are formulated for fry)

Provide your fry with at least 10 gallons of space per batch of fry. It’s helpful to add some plants, rocks, caves, or driftwood to create hiding places and territories for your fry. You should also use a sponge filter or an air pump to provide gentle filtration and aeration for your fry.

Monitor your fry closely for any signs of illness or disease, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, faded colors, clamped fins, white spots, sores, or parasites. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should isolate your sick fry and treat them accordingly with medication or natural remedies.

You should also observe your fry closely for any signs of growth or development, such as color changes, fin development, body shape changes, or sexual dimorphism. You should also measure your fry regularly to track their size and weight.

It can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months for your fry to reach adulthood and show their full colors and patterns. However, this can vary depending on their genetics, diet, water quality, tank size, and stress level.

Are OB Peacock Cichlids Aggressive?

OB Peacock Cichlids are moderately aggressive fish that can defend themselves and their territories from other fish. They are not as aggressive as some other types of Malawi Cichlids, though, such as the Mbuna or the Haplochromis.

OB Peacock Cichlids often coexist peacefully with other fish of similar size and temperament as long as they have enough space and hiding places in their tank. They will typically form a hierarchy or a pecking order among themselves, where the dominant male will claim the best spot and the best females in the tank.

It’s normal for them to become more aggressive during breeding season or when they feel threatened or stressed by their environment. So don’t be surprised if you start noticing temperament changes because of this. They can also become more aggressive if they are kept in a tank that is too small, crowded, dirty, or unstable for them.

To prevent or reduce aggression in your tank, you should follow these tips:

• Choose compatible tank mates that can match their size and temperament.
• Provide enough space and hiding places for each fish in your tank.
• Maintain optimal water parameters and perform regular water changes in your tank.
• Feed your fish a balanced and varied diet, and avoid overfeeding them.
• Introduce new fish gradually and monitor their behavior closely.
• Remove any sick or injured fish from your tank.
• Use a divider or a net to separate any aggressive or territorial fish from your tank.

How Many OB Peacock Cichlids Can You Keep in a Tank?

The number of OB Peacock Cichlids you can keep in a tank depends on several factors, such as the size of your tank, the size of your fish, the type of your filter, the frequency of your water changes, and the compatibility of your fish.

However, as a general rule of thumb, you can use this formula to calculate the number of OB Peacock Cichlids you can keep in a tank:

• Number of OB Peacock Cichlids = (Volume of Tank in Gallons) / (Length of Fish in Inches)

So with that formula and a few common tank sizes, you get:

• If you have a 55-gallon tank and your OB Peacock Cichlids are 6 inches long each, you can keep up to 9 OB Peacock Cichlids in your tank.
• If you have a 75-gallon tank and your OB Peacock Cichlids are 5 inches long each, you can keep up to 15 OB Peacock Cichlids in your tank.
• If you have a 100-gallon tank and your OB Peacock Cichlids are 4 inches long each, you can keep up to 25 OB Peacock Cichlids in your tank.

This formula is only an estimate and it does not account for other factors that might affect the bioload or the behavior of your fish. Always monitor your water quality and your fish’s health and adjust the number of fish in your tank accordingly.

Are OB Peacock Cichlids Good for Beginners?

OB Peacock Cichlids are not recommended for beginners because they require some experience and knowledge to care for them properly. They are not very forgiving of mistakes or negligence that might occur in a beginner’s tank.

If you are a beginner and want to keep OB Peacock Cichlids, you should thoroughly research and prepare yourself before getting them. And most importantly, seek advice from more experienced hobbyists or experts who can guide you along the way.

Conclusion

OB Peacock Cichlids are hybrid fish that have stunning colors and patterns that make them stand out from other fish. They are moderately aggressive and territorial fish that can defend themselves and their territories from other fish. They can live up to 10 years in captivity.

If you are an experienced hobbyist who is looking for a unique and colorful fish to add to your aquarium, you might want to consider the OB Peacock Cichlid. They are fascinating fish that will reward you with their beauty and personality.

More Freshwater Fish

If you’re interested in learning about similar freshwater fish, check out:

• Strawberry Peacock Cichlid
• Bumblebee Cichlid

Or, browse our entire collection of freshwater fish guides!

FAQ

How much are OB Peacock Cichlids?

The price of OB Peacock Cichlids can vary depending on their size, color, quality, and availability. However, on average, an OB Peacock Cichlid can cost anywhere from $10 to $50 per fish.

Are OB Peacock Cichlids rare?

OB Peacock Cichlids are not rare but not very common either. They are hybrid fish created by hobbyists and not found in the wild. They are also not widely distributed or bred in the aquarium trade, so they might be hard to find in some local pet stores or online shops.

How many hybrid Cichlids are there?

There is no definitive answer to how many hybrid Cichlids are there, as new hybrids are constantly being created and discovered by hobbyists and breeders. However, some of the most popular and well-known hybrid Cichlids are:

OB Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara x Mbuna)

Flowerhorn Cichlid (Amphilophus x Paraneetroplus x Vieja x Heros)

Blood Parrot Cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus x Heros severus)

Red Devil Cichlid (Amphilophus labiatus x Amphilophus citrinellus)

Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus x Herichthys carpintis)