Strawberry Peacock (Aulonocara sp.)

Remarks: The strawberry peacock (Aulonocara sp.) is a neon pink and red variation of the ever popular albino dragon blood peacock. Unlike typical male albino dragon bloods that are usually bright white or light blue with orange faces, the males of the strawberry line have their electric pink and red coloration throughout their whole body. Some may also develop iridescent blue or white scales on the face and along their back. Like most Aulonocara species, coloration in dominant males will be brighter when in the presence of females and competing males. Females and subdominant males tend to be orange while juveniles are cream. The strawberry peacock, like all variations of the dragon blood peacock, is a man-made hybrid, but its exact origins are unknown. Due to their mixed genetics, they show a remarkable variation in color and pattern with most changing as they age. Please note that males under 4" may not show much color, but they typically develop a tremendous amount once they settle into their permanent tank. Like with most hybrid fish, this man-made strain tends to be particularly aggressive and territorial even for a peacock cichlid. This disposition allows them to hold their own against other, more aggressive cichlids, but also makes them a poor choice for more timid species such as Lethrinops sp..