Aulonocara is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. All Aulonocara species are maternal mouth brooders. Particularly in the aquarium hobby, Aulonocara species are also known as peacock cichlids, aulonocaras or simply "peacocks". This genus is strongly sexually dichromic, even by haplochromine standards.
Pseudotropheus crabro, the Bumblebee Cichlid or Hornet Cichlid, is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi where it is found in different habitats but most frequently in large caves or in the vicinity of large boulders. This species can reach a length of 16 centimetres (6.3 in) SL.
Aulonocara auditor is a species of haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. It was known only from the holotype collected in northern Lake Malawi near Vua, Malawi. The IUCN state that this species may possibly be extinct due to beach seining within its limited range but there are claims that it was observed in 1989 and was quite numerous, although this was later retracted and it was stated that these observations referred to Aulonocara aquilonium. Following an examination of the holotype, this examination also suggests that A. auditor may not be a species of Aulonocara and that more material needs to be collected and studied.
The nkhomo-benga peacock, also known as the new yellow regal peacock, is a species of haplochromine cichlid which is endemic to Lake Malawi. This species is threatened by capture for the aquarium trade.
Aulonocara brevinidus is a species of haplochromine Cichlid it is endemic to Lake Malawi and widespread along the eastern shore of the lake. It is found in Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. In this species the males defend small territories over sandy areas at depths of 20 metres (66 ft) where the excavate shallow nests, in denser populations these territories may be as little as 2 metres (6.6 ft) apart. The diet appears to consist of small invertebrates.
The Chitande aulonocara is a species of haplochromine cichlid which is endemic to Lake Malawi, only occurring in the north-west of the Lake near Chitande Island. It occurs over habitats of mixed rock and sand and it feeds on benthic invertebrates. The males show territorial behaviour all year and defend their territories from other males. These territorial males are found in deeper areas around 15 metres (49 ft) while the non territorial males and the females are rarely seen below 3 metres (9.8 ft). Ripe females descend towards the males and spawning takes place in a cavity or, if the male's territory does not include a cavity, on the open sand. The specific name honours the British ichthyologist Ethelwynn Trewavas (1900-1993) of the British Museum who described a number of species of cichlid from Lake Malawi.
Aulonocara gertrudae is a species of haplochromine cichlid which is endemic to Lake Malawi, being found in Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. The habitat varies between populations, those south of the Ruhuhu River are sand dwellers which exploit the sandy muddy substrates found near river mouths, while those to the north of the Ruhuhu will occupy rocky habitats too. This is thought to be cause there are fewer rock inhabiting congeners north of the Ruhuhu. The territorial males of this species excavate a burrow in the sand or they may use a cavity formed in a rocky area, especially in the northern populations. The females are found in small foraging groups in the vicinity of the males. The specific name honours Konings' wife, Gertrude Dubin.
Aulonocara guentheri is a species of haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, where they are restricted to the south eastern arm, and Lake Malombe, meaning that as far as is known this fish is endemic to Malawi. It prefers shallow sandy habitat where it forages in small schools, males in breeding colours have been caught by fishermen in November and December suggesting that is when they breed. The specific name honours the German born British herpetologist and ichthyologist Albert Günther (1830-1914), who was one of the first scientists to recognise the diversity of te cichlids in Lake Malawi.
The Fort Maguire aulonocara, also known as Aulonocara 'Fort Maguire' in the aquarium fish trade, is a species of haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi.
Aulonocara kandeense, the blue orchid aulonacara, is a species of haplochromine cichlid which is endemic to Lake Malawi where it occurs only around Kande Island, in Malawian waters. It is found in a mixed habitat where rocky areas meet softer substrates. The breeding males are found at a mean depth of 8 metres (26 ft) They sift their food from the sand and this is made up of small invertebrates. It detects the movements of tiny prey under the surface of the sand. The males are territorial and they defend their territories where the sand meets rockier areas. The females gather in large schools to forage, and these can count over 100 fishes, over the open sand a few metres away from any rocks. spawning occurs within a cave or cavity within the male's cave, which usually near the lake bed. There can be over 100 fry in a brood.
The sulfurhead aulonocara or sulfurhead peacock is a species of haplochromine cichlid which is endemic to Lake Malawi in the country of Malawi and has only been observed on West Reef and Eccles Reef. It is threatened by collection for the aquarium trade and this has caused a 70% reduction in numbers. In this mouthbrooding species, the eggs are cared for by the females only, and it is found over mixed sand and rocky areas where they hunt small invertebrates in the sand. It closely resembles the blue orchid aulonocara though it develops a yellow blaze across its dorsal In the past these two taxa have been considered to be subspecies. The specific name honours Hans-Joachim Mayland, an author on cichlids and a fishkeeper, brought the species to the attention of Ethelwynn Trewavas.
Aulonocara rostratum is a species of haplochromine cichlid. It is endemic to Lake Malawi where it is found in Malawi and Tanzania. It is found throughout the lake. The males gather in loose aggregations in sandy areas, defending small territories which they defend from other males.
The greenface aulonocara is a species of haplochromine cichlid which is endemic to Lake Malawi.
The pale Usisya aulonocara is a putative species of haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi.
Aulonocara stonemani is a species of haplochromine cichlid. It is endemic to the southeastern and southwestern arms of Lake Malawi.
The flavescent peacock, also known as Grant's peacock, is a species of haplochromine cichlid. Its common name refers to its "flavescent" (yellowish) colour.
Dimidiochromis strigatus is a species of haplochromine cichlid endemic to Malawi. It was formerly placed in the genus Haplochromis and known as Haplochromis 'sunset' in the aquarium fish trade.
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, the eureka red peacock, is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae. It is also known as Freiberg's peacock or fairy cichlid. There are several colour morphs including red or yellow. They generally can grow to around 15 cm in length.
Aulonocara nyassae, known as the emperor cichlid, is a species of haplochromine Cichlid that is endemic to Lake Malawi in Africa. It has been recorded from the southeastern arm of the lake and may be present in the southwestern arm. This species was known only from its holotype, which was collected at the turn of the century, until more specimens were collected in the 1990s.
Aulonocara koningsi is a species of haplochromine cichlid which is endemic to Lake Malawi. It is restricted to the waters around Mbenji Island and is therefore endemic to Malawi too. It is common in the restricted area in which it occurs but collection for the aquarium trade does not seem to have affected the population.
