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Midwest Aquarium and Pond Supplier LLC

(137) Aulonocara Dragon Blood 1-2''

(137) Aulonocara Dragon Blood 1-2''

$25.00 USD
$25.00 USD
Oferta Agotado
Los gastos de envío se calculan en la pantalla de pago.
The Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara sp. hybrid), also known as the Firefish, is a popular, man-made hybrid African cichlid prized for its fiery red, pink, and orange coloration. It is not found in the wild and was created through crossbreeding in the aquarium trade. 
As a Peacock cichlid hybrid, it shares many of the care requirements of other Aulonocara species and is a suitable choice for a community tank of other African cichlids. 

Tank setup
  • Tank size: A minimum of a 55-gallon tank is recommended for a group, but a 75-gallon or larger is ideal. The added space helps to diffuse aggression and provide ample swimming room.
  • Substrate: Use a fine sand substrate, as these fish spend their time sifting through it for food. A coarse substrate can harm their gills and prevent natural feeding behavior.
  • Decorations: Aquascape with stacked rocks, caves, and crevices to provide hiding places and establish territories. Arrange decor along the sides and back of the tank to maximize open swimming space in the center.
  • Filtration: A robust filtration system is essential, as these cichlids are known to be heavy eaters and produce a lot of waste. 

Water parameters
Like most Lake Malawi cichlids, the 
Dragon Blood Peacock
 requires specific, stable water parameters. 
  • Temperature: 74–80°F (23–27°C).
  • pH: 7.5–8.5. Cichlid-specific substrates can help buffer the water to maintain the correct alkalinity.
  • Water changes: Regular, biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep nitrates low and ensure pristine water quality. 

Diet and feeding
Aulonocara are omnivores and will benefit from a varied diet. 
  • Staple: High-quality flake and sinking pellet foods.
  • Supplements: Supplement their diet with frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and krill to enhance their color and immune system. 

Temperament and tank mates
  • Semi-aggressive: Dragon Bloods are considered semi-aggressive but are generally more peaceful than mbuna cichlids. They may display territorial behavior, especially toward other males.
  • Tank mates: They are compatible with other African Peacock cichlids, Haps, and other similarly-tempered species.
  • Managing aggression: To minimize aggression, keep one male with multiple females and provide plenty of caves and visual barriers. 

Breeding
Dragon Blood Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning the female carries the fertilized eggs and fry in her mouth for protection. 
  • Spawning behavior: The male will court a female, who will lay eggs in a pit he has dug in the sand. The female then picks up the eggs, and fertilization occurs when she is enticed by the male's "egg spots" on his anal fin.
  • Raising fry: The female will hold the eggs for 18–25 days. It is recommended to move her to a separate tank to protect the fry from being eaten by other fish.
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