Blue Regal Cobue
Aulonocara stuartgranti "Cobue"
Blue Regal Cobue is a Lake Malawi peacock known for mature male blue color, clean profile, and calmer display behavior compared with many mbuna. It fits well in peacock and hap aquariums where stable hard water and open swimming space are provided.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 6-7 inches.
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Coloration: Males show the blue regal display color; females are brown to gray and much more subdued.
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Body Shape: Medium peacock body with a laterally compressed profile.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Cobue is in central Lake Malawi on the Mozambican side of the lake, close to Jafua Bay, Kanjindo Rocks, and Masimbwe Island.
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Natural Habitat: Intermediate habitat.
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Same-Locality Cichlids: Other cichlids recorded from Cobwe include Cynotilapia zebroides 'Cobwe', Chindongo socolofi 'Cobwe', Chindongo sp. 'elongatus masimbwe' Cobwe, and Copadichromis melas 'Cobwe'.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive.
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Social Behavior: Best with other peacocks and peaceful to moderately assertive haps.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 55 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended.
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Water Parameters: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Provide sand, open swimming space, rockwork for cover and sight breaks, and strong 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 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 calmer haps of similar size.
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Avoid: Very aggressive mbuna, large predators, and small soft-water community fish.
