Lemon Jake Peacock Cichlid Care Guide
Introduction
The Lemon Jake Peacock Cichlid, also known as Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, is a stunning freshwater fish native to Lake Malawi in East Africa. With their vibrant colours and striking patterns, these cichlids are prized by aquarists for their beauty and relatively peaceful temperament.
Optimal Tank Setup
Provide a spacious aquarium with a minimum size of 55 gallons for a small group of Lemon Jake Peacock Cichlids. These fish appreciate plenty of open swimming space and rocky caves and crevices for hiding and territory establishment. Use sand or fine gravel as substrate and include rocks and driftwood for decoration.
Water Parameters
Maintain stable water conditions with a temperature range of 26°C to 29°C and a pH level between 7.8 to 8.6, replicating their natural lake conditions. Lake Malawi cichlids are sensitive to water quality, so perform regular water changes and monitor parameters such as ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels.
Diet and Feeding
Lemon Jake Peacock Cichlids are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods in the aquarium. Offer them high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp. Feed them small amounts multiple times a day to prevent overfeeding.
Social Behaviour
While relatively peaceful for a cichlid species, Lemon Jake Peacock Cichlids can be territorial, especially during breeding. Provide plenty of hiding spots and visual barriers to reduce aggression and promote natural behaviours. Keep them in a small group with multiple females to spread out aggression.
Compatibility
Good tank mates for Lemon Jake Peacock Cichlids include other Lake Malawi cichlid species of similar size and temperament. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or larger cichlids that may bully or outcompete them. Provide ample space and hiding spots to reduce aggression.
Conclusion
With their striking yellow colouration and interesting behaviours, Lemon Jake Peacock Cichlids can make a beautiful addition to a cichlid community aquarium. By providing them with suitable tank conditions, a varied diet, and compatible tank mates, you can enjoy these captivating fish for years to come.