Benga Sunshine
Aulonocara baenschi
Benga Sunshine is the bright yellow Benga Peacock, Aulonocara baenschi, a Lake Malawi peacock valued for strong male color and a manageable temperament. It works well in a balanced peacock and hap aquarium with stable hard water, sand, and room for males to display.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 6-7 inches.
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Coloration: Mature males can develop bright yellow sunshine color; females and juveniles are usually more subdued.
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Body Shape: Medium peacock body with a streamlined, laterally compressed shape.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Benga is in southern Lake Malawi along the western side of the lake, close to Chirua River, Makwazi, and Nkhomo Reef.
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Natural Habitat: Intermediate habitat consisting of scattered rocks on a sandy bottom. Occurs mainly at depths of about 49-66 ft, with generally low visibility.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best kept with other peacocks and similarly tempered Lake Malawi haps.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
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Water Parameters: pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Provide sand, open swimming areas, rockwork for sight breaks, and reliable filtration.
Diet and Feeding
Breeding
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Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
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Breeding Notes: Males display to females and may claim a preferred area. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and fry should be protected after release.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Lake Malawi peacocks and peaceful to moderately assertive haps.
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Avoid: Very aggressive mbuna, large predators, and small community fish.
Conservation Status
Wild populations of Aulonocara baenschi are listed by CARES as Endangered and by the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered. Ron’s Cichlids promotes sustainability by captive breeding this species for the aquarium trade, helping reduce pressure on wild-caught specimens.
