Albino Firefish Peacock - (No Online Purchases)

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The Albino Firefish Peacock (commonly sold as an albino strain of Aulonocara jacobfreibergi or a selectively bred Firefish Peacock hybrid) is one of the most eye-catching African cichlids available to aquarists. Its bright orange, red and yellow colouration combined with the albino trait makes it a standout feature fish in a Malawi aquarium.

Quick Facts

Appearance

Albino Firefish Peacocks are renowned for their brilliant colours:

• Bright orange, red and yellow body
• Pink or red eyes typical of albino fish
• Metallic highlights on the face and fins
• Extended dorsal and anal fins in mature males

Females are often less colourful, though many commercially available specimens are males due to their superior colouration.

Aquarium Requirements

Tank Size

A minimum aquarium of 250 litres is recommended for a small group. Larger aquariums provide greater stability and help reduce aggression.

Aquascaping

A suitable setup should include:

• Rocky caves and crevices
• Open swimming areas
• Sandy substrate if possible
• Strong filtration
• Good water circulation

Peacock cichlids enjoy having territories but also need open areas for display and swimming.

Water Parameters

Maintain:

• Temperature: 24–28°C
• pH: 7.8–8.6
• GH: 8–20 dGH
• Ammonia and nitrite: 0 ppm
• Nitrate: ideally below 20 ppm

Regular water changes are essential.

Temperament and Compatibility

Albino Firefish Peacocks are generally less aggressive than many mbuna cichlids but can still be territorial, especially males.

Suitable tank mates include:

• Other peacock cichlids (Aulonocara species)
• Copadichromis azureus
• Placidochromis phenochilus
• Otopharynx lithobates
• Other peaceful to moderately assertive Malawi haps

Avoid:

• Very aggressive mbuna species
• Small community fish
• Fish requiring soft, acidic water
• Similar-looking peacock species if breeding purity is important

Stocking Ratio

The preferred ratio is:

• 1 male to 3–5 females

This helps spread the male's attention and reduces stress on individual females.

Feeding

In the wild, peacock cichlids sift sand for small invertebrates.

In the aquarium, feed:

• Quality cichlid pellets
• Frozen mysis shrimp
• Frozen brine shrimp
• Krill-based foods
• Insect-based foods

Avoid excessive mammalian protein and overfeeding.

Feed once or twice daily in amounts consumed within a few minutes.

Breeding

Like most peacock cichlids, Albino Firefish Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders.

Breeding typically follows this pattern:

1. Male establishes a territory.
2. Female lays eggs.
3. Female collects eggs in her mouth.
4. Fertilised eggs are incubated for about 21–28 days.
5. Free-swimming fry are released.

Fry can be raised on:

• Newly hatched brine shrimp
• Crushed cichlid pellets
• Commercial fry foods

Special Considerations for Albino Fish

Albino fish can be slightly more sensitive to intense lighting.

To keep them comfortable:

• Provide shaded areas
• Avoid excessively bright lighting
• Include caves and shelters

This often encourages more natural behaviour and stronger colour display.

Is the Albino Firefish Peacock Suitable for Beginners?

Yes, for aquarists interested in African cichlids. They are:

✔ Hardy
✔ Spectacularly coloured
✔ Relatively easy to care for
✔ Suitable for mixed Malawi hap and peacock communities

However, they do require:

• A reasonably large aquarium
• Hard, alkaline water
• Careful management of aggression and stocking

For aquarists wanting a vibrant centrepiece fish, the Albino Firefish Peacock is one of the most striking and rewarding Malawi cichlids available.