Yellow Benga Peacock/Sunshine Peacock - (Auloncara baenschi)

🐟 Yellow Benga Peacock / Sunshine Peacock - (Aulonocara baenschi) – Vibrant Lake Malawi Peacock Cichlid

The Yellow Benga Peacock, also known as the Sunshine Peacock (Aulonocara baenschi), is one of the most popular and striking African cichlids from Lake Malawi. Males display brilliant yellow bodies accented with deep blue heads and face markings, while females are a more subdued silver-gray. This coloration makes them a favorite centerpiece fish for African cichlid tanks.

They are among the more peaceful Malawi cichlids, making them ideal for mixed peacock and haplochromine setups. Their beauty, ease of care, and active swimming behavior make them a must-have for African cichlid enthusiasts.

🔎 Quick Facts – Yellow Benga Peacock / Sunshine Peacock

• 📛 Common Names: Yellow Benga Peacock, Sunshine Peacock
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Aulonocara baenschi
• 🌍 Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
• 🎨 Appearance: Brilliant yellow body, blue head and face, females silver-gray
• 📏 Max Size: 4–5 inches (10–13 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Commonly available; highly sought after for vivid colors

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🤝 Peaceful for a cichlid; best with other Peacocks and Haps
• ⚔️ Males can be mildly territorial during breeding
• 🐟 Best kept in harems (1 male with multiple females)

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 55+ gallons
• 🪵 Sandy substrate for natural digging behavior
• 🪨 Rock caves and hiding spots for females and subdominant males
• 💡 Bright lighting enhances vibrant colors

💧 Water Parameters

• 🌡️ Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline, hard water)
• 💧 Hardness: 10–20 dGH

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous

• 🐟 High-quality cichlid pellets and flakes
• 🦐 Frozen foods such as brine shrimp and mysis shrimp
• 🌽 Spirulina-based foods for color enhancement
• 🚫 Avoid excessive high-protein meaty foods to prevent Malawi bloat

📋 Overview Table

✨ Highlight:
The Yellow Benga / Sunshine Peacock is prized for its brilliant yellow-and-blue coloration, peaceful nature, and striking presence, making it one of the most sought-after Lake Malawi cichlids in the hobby.