malawi

Aulonocara Hansbeanchi Red Flush

🐟 Aulonocara hansbaenschi “Red Flush” — Species Description
📏 Size

Adult size is typically 10–14 cm (4–5.5 inches)

Males are slightly larger and develop much stronger coloration

Females remain smaller and are usually grey to brown with faint patterning

🌍 Occurrence (Natural Origin)

Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa

Aulonocara hansbaenschi is naturally found along the southern and eastern shorelines of the lake

The “Red Flush” refers to a color variant/collection locality or line where males show enhanced red or orange flushing on the body and fins

Habitat consists of intermediate zones: sandy bottoms with scattered rocks, typical for many peacock cichlids

Unlike trade-name hybrids (e.g. Fire Fish), A. hansbaenschi is a true species, with “Red Flush” describing a specific color form rather than a hybrid.

🍽️ Diet (Preferred Food)

In the wild:

Feeds primarily on small benthic invertebrates, insect larvae, and tiny crustaceans

Uses specialized sensory pores to detect prey hidden in sand

In the aquarium:

High-quality Malawi cichlid pellets or granules

Frozen foods such as:

Brine shrimp

Mysis shrimp

Daphnia

Krill

Occasional foods with spirulina or vegetable content help maintain digestive health

Feeding note:
A balanced diet is important—avoid overfeeding very fatty foods, as peacock cichlids can be sensitive to digestive stress.

🧠 Behavior & Temperament

Generally peaceful to moderately territorial

Males become territorial when displaying or breeding

Best kept in:

Harem groups (1 male : 3–4 females), or

Mixed peacock cichlid communities of similar size and temperament

Not recommended to house with highly aggressive Mbuna species

🏞️ Preferred Aquarium Conditions

pH: 7.5–8.5 (alkaline)

Hardness: Moderate to hard

Temperature: 24–28 °C (75–82 °F)

Substrate: Sand (important for natural foraging behavior)

Décor: Rock structures with open swimming areas

🧾 Quick Summary
Feature Details
Scientific Name Aulonocara hansbaenschi
Variant “Red Flush”
Adult Size ~10–14 cm (4–5.5 in)
Origin Lake Malawi (natural species)
Habitat Sandy–rocky intermediate zones
Diet Small invertebrates; pellets & frozen foods
Temperament Peaceful to semi-territorial