Red Top Lwanda
Aulonocara sp. "Lwanda"
Red Top Lwanda is a Lake Malawi peacock known for mature male color and a generally more peaceful temperament compared with many assertive Malawi cichlids. It works well in a balanced peacock and hap aquarium with enough space for males to display.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Hai Reef, Tanzania and Chiwindi, Mozambique.
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Natural Habitat: Caves and rocky areas at Hai Reef and Chiwindi, where wild fish feed on small insect larvae and crustaceans.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 6-7 inches.
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Coloration: Mature males develop stronger red-top display color; females and juveniles 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: More peaceful, though males may be mildly aggressive with each other.
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Social Behavior: Best kept with other peacocks and peaceful to moderately assertive 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: 74-84°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Use sand, open swimming areas, rockwork for structure and 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
Populations of Aulonocara sp. "Lwanda" are listed by CARES as a priority species with a Critically Endangered classification. Ron’s Cichlids promotes sustainability by captive breeding this species for the aquarium trade, helping reduce pressure on wild-caught specimens.
