Red Sun Peacock
Red Sun Peacock is a line-bred Aulonocara-style peacock selected for orange-blue display color. Mature males show the best color once settled and dominant, while females and juveniles stay more subdued.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Line-bred aquarium strain from Lake Malawi peacock stock.
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Natural Habitat: Captive-bred strain; provide sand, rock cover, and open swimming space like other Malawi peacocks.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 6-7 inches.
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Coloration: Dimorphic; mature males develop orange and blue display color, while females are more subdued.
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Body Shape: Medium peacock body with a laterally compressed profile.
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 lanes, 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 and females mouthbrood eggs and fry. Keep line-bred projects separated to preserve the strain.
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 unlabeled breeding with similar peacock strains.