Turkis Peacock Cichlid

Description

Turkis Peacock Cichlid: A Gem 

Introduction to the Turkis Peacock Cichlid

The Turkis Peacock Cichlid, a stunning Aulonocara was first developed in Germany. This fish is known for its captivating light blue and turquoise hues, intertwined with touches of orangish-red across its body. The females, while more subdued in color with grey tones and dull grey stripes, possess their own understated elegance.

Discovery and Classification History

These cichlids owe their name ‘Turkis’ to the German word for ‘turquoise,’ highlighting the vivid coloration that sets them apart as one of the most unusual and colorful within the Aulonocara genus. Young males, in particular, display a vibrant palette that makes them a highlight in any aquarium.

Understanding the Aulonocara Genus

Originating from the sandy shores of Lake Malawi, the Aulonocara genus was first described by Charles Tate Regan in 1922. These fish are distinguished by their expansive sensory canals in the skull, notably around the preorbital and infraorbital bones, which are a key characteristic of the genus. The unique “sonar-feeding” behavior, as observed in their natural habitat, allows them to detect prey in the sand with remarkable precision, showcasing their evolved hunting prowess.

Distribution and Habitat

Endemic to Lake Malawi, Aulonocara species are found along almost every section of the shore. Their distribution is broad, with no strict confinement to a particular type of coast, although there are noted differences between those dwelling among rocks and those in sandy environments.

Behavior and Aquatic Life

In the wild, these peacock cichlids exhibit a serene yet fascinating behavior. They often hover motionless above the sandy lake floor, only to suddenly plunge down to capture an unsuspecting prey. This feeding technique is so distinctive that it’s become a defining trait of the genus.

Varieties and Related Species

The genus boasts a diverse array of species, with at least 22 described and potentially 27 more that remain officially unnamed. Each group within the genus has its own unique set of characteristics and behaviors, from cave-dwellers to deep water specialists.

In the Aquarium: Care, Breeding, and Diet

Aquarists value the Turkis Peacock Cichlid not just for its beauty but also for its engaging behavior. They require a well-structured habitat that mimics their natural environment, with sandy substrates and plenty of hiding spaces. Their diet in captivity should reflect their natural predilection for small invertebrates, and their breeding behavior often provides an exciting display for cichlid enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The Turkis Peacock Cichlid is a true marvel of the aquatic world. Its mesmerizing colors and distinctive behaviors make it a prized possession for any freshwater aquarist. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of its coloration or fascinated by its unique sonar-feeding, this fish is sure to become a cherished addition to your underwater community.

Exploring the Aulonocara Species: A Rainbow of Diversity in Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi’s Aulonocara cichlids, commonly known as peacock cichlids, display a stunning array of colors and behaviors. These cichlids are grouped based on their ecological niches, breeding behaviors, and foraging methods. Let’s delve into the fascinating groups that make up this colorful genus.

Cave-dwellers: Adapted to the shadowy confines of underwater caves, these species exhibit behaviors and morphologies suited for life away from the open waters. Their secretive nature often translates to more subtle coloration and specialized breeding strategies.

• sp. ‘jalo’
• sp. ‘lwanda’
• sp. ‘trematocranus masinje’
• sp. ‘walteri’
• jacobfreibergi

Chitande Types: Identified mainly by their locality and unique color patterns, Chitande types are often found in specific parts of Lake Malawi. Their name often reflects physical characteristics or the names of the places where they are found.

• sp. ‘chitande type masinje’
• sp. ‘chitande type kande’
• sp. ‘chitande type mozambique’
• sp. ‘chitande type nkhomo’
• sp. ‘chitande type north’
• sp. ‘yellow collar’
• Aulonocara ethelwynnae

Deep Water Dwellers: Thriving in the lake’s deeper realms, these species have adapted to the cooler and darker waters, often exhibiting distinct behaviors like deeper diving for food and unique courtship displays.

• sp. ‘nyassae mumbo’
• Haplochromis stonemani

Maylandi Group: Named to honor individuals like Hans Mayland who have contributed to the study and cultivation of these fish, the Maylandi group includes species with distinctive coloration, often with a sulfur-colored blaze.

• Aulonocara maylandi
• Aulonocara maylandi kandeensis

Sand-Dwellers: These species are often characterized by their sandy-yellow to silvery coloration, blending seamlessly with the lake’s sandy bottoms where they forage and spawn.

• sp. ‘pyramid’
• Tilapia trematocephala
• Aulonocara nyassae
• Trematocranus auditor
• Aulonocara rostrata
• Aulonocara guentheri
• Aulonocara gertrudae
• Aulonocara aquilonium
• Aulonocara brevinidus

Saulosi Group: With a more limited distribution, these species are often smaller and more demure in coloration but are still a favorite among cichlid enthusiasts for their unique appearance and behaviors.

• Aulonocara saulosi

Stuartgranti Complex: A diverse assembly of species named after Stuart Grant, a notable exporter and breeder, these cichlids are admired for their vibrant colors and are among the most popular in the hobby.

• sp. ‘stuartgranti maleri’
• Aulonocara baenschi
• Aulonocara stuartgranti
• Aulonocara hueseri
• Aulonocara korneliae
• Aulonocara koningsi

Additional Unnamed Variants:

• sp. ‘jalo’
• sp. ‘lwanda’
• sp. ‘trematocranus masinje’
• sp. ‘walteri’
• sp. ‘yellow collar’
• sp. ‘copper’
• sp. ‘minutus’
• sp. ‘deep’
• sp. ‘deep yellow’
• sp. ‘gold’
• sp. ‘green’
• sp. ‘long’
• sp. ‘cf. macrochir’
• sp. ‘orange’
• sp. ‘yellow’
• sp. ‘blue chilumba’
• sp. ‘brevirostris nkhata’
• sp. ‘brown black-pelvic’
• sp. ‘brown piper’

This is just a glimpse into the complex world of Aulonocara species. Each group represents a facet of the adaptive radiations that have made Lake Malawi a hotspot for cichlid diversity. These fish are not just a joy to observe but also a testament to the evolutionary canvas that nature can paint.