Albino Benga Sunshine
Aulonocara baenschi
Albino Benga Sunshine is a line-bred albino form of the Benga Peacock, Aulonocara baenschi, giving this Malawi peacock a pale body and bright sunshine-yellow display potential. It is best kept with compatible peacocks and haps in hard, alkaline water with open swimming space.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 6-7 inches.
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Coloration: Albino Benga-type coloration with pale body tones and yellow-orange sunshine color potential; males usually show the strongest display color.
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Body Shape: Medium peacock body with a laterally compressed profile.
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; larger tanks are better for mixed peacock groups.
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Water Parameters: pH 7.2-8.6, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Use sand, open swimming space, rockwork for cover and sight breaks, and stable 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 defend preferred areas. 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 soft-water 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.
