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Midwest Aquarium and Pond Supplier LLC

(111) Lemon Jake Cichlid 3in

(111) Lemon Jake Cichlid 3in

$80.00 USD
$80.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
The Lemon Jake Cichlid (Aulonocara jacobfreibergi "Lemon Jake") is a variant of the African peacock cichlid from Lake Malawi. Males are prized for their vibrant, iridescent blue face and fins, which contrast sharply with a brilliant lemon-yellow body. This species is typically less aggressive than many other African cichlids, but it still requires specific conditions to thrive. 

Tank and water requirements
  • Tank size: A minimum of 75 gallons is ideal for a group of Lemon Jakes. A tank that is 100 cm long with a capacity of 200 liters or more is recommended. A larger tank (125+ gallons) is necessary for keeping multiple territorial males.
  • Substrate: A sand-like substrate is essential, as this species sifts through it for food. A fine, dark sand substrate can also help their colors stand out. Coarse gravel can damage their gills.
  • Filtration: A robust filtration system is crucial for maintaining pristine water quality. Using multiple filters provides ample surface area for beneficial bacteria.
  • Water parameters:
    • Temperature: Maintain a stable temperature between 78–82°F (23–28°C).
    • pH: A high pH of 7.8–8.6 is necessary to replicate their native Lake Malawi habitat.
    • Water quality: They are sensitive to declining water quality, so frequent, bi-weekly water changes are encouraged to keep nitrates below 30 ppm.
  • Decorations: Aquascape the tank with plenty of stacked rocks, caves, and crevices to provide hiding places and establish territories. Leave plenty of open swimming space in the center. 

Diet and feeding
  • Carnivorous diet: As carnivores, Lemon Jake Cichlids require a high-protein diet. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates and insect larvae found in the sandy substrate.
  • Food types: A combination of high-quality sinking pellets or flakes is the staple. Supplement with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp.
  • Feeding schedule: Feed once or twice daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes. Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to digestive issues and bloat. 

Temperament and tank mates
  • Semi-aggressive: Lemon Jake Peacocks are generally peaceful compared to other African cichlids but can be territorial, especially during breeding.
  • Social dynamics: It is best to keep multiple females for every male to disperse breeding aggression.
  • Tank mates: Choose other similarly sized and tempered Lake Malawi cichlids. Suitable companions include:
    • Other peaceful peacocks: Sunshine Peacocks (Aulonocara stuartgranti) or Flavescent Peacocks (Aulonocara baenschi).
    • Other larger non-aggressive cichlids: Larger, peaceful bottom-dwellers from Lake Malawi.
  • Incompatible companions: Avoid housing with smaller fish that can fit in their mouth. Also, avoid housing with aggressive mbuna cichlids and other Aulonocara species, as they can hybridize. 

Breeding
  • Maternal mouthbrooders: Like other peacocks, the female carries the fertilized eggs and fry in her mouth for protection. Breeding is relatively straightforward in a well-maintained aquarium.
  • Spawning behavior: Males will display their colors and defend a territory, typically a cave, to attract females. The female will lay her eggs, collect them in her mouth, and carry them for about three weeks.
  • Raising fry: Once the fry are free-swimming, it is recommended to separate the female or the fry to prevent them from being eaten by other fish.
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