The Albino Sunburst Peacock Cichlid is a visually stunning freshwater fish, part of the Aulonocara genus, which is native to Lake Malawi in East Africa. It is a variant of the popular Sunburst Peacock Cichlid but features a unique albino coloration, making it a sought-after species in the aquarium trade.
Key Characteristics:
Appearance:
The Albino Sunburst Peacock Cichlid has a light body color with shades of white, pale orange, and yellow. The albino mutation creates a glowing, almost translucent appearance, which makes the fish stand out.
Males typically display more vibrant and intense colorations compared to females, especially during breeding displays. They have elongated, colorful fins and a small, rounded body.
The fish has a slightly compressed body, typical of the peacock cichlid family.
Size:
The Albino Sunburst Peacock typically reaches a size of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) when fully grown.
Care and Habitat:
Water Requirements:
These fish prefer slightly alkaline water, with a pH between 7.5 and 8.5.
Ideal temperature: 76°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C).
A stable, well-filtered aquarium with good water quality is essential.
Tank Setup:
A minimum of a 55-gallon tank is recommended for a single fish, but larger tanks are better if keeping multiple individuals.
The aquarium should have plenty of rock formations, caves, and hiding spots, as they are territorial fish.
Sand or fine gravel as the substrate is preferable to replicate their natural environment.
Diet:
They are omnivores, and their diet can include high-quality cichlid pellets, spirulina flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia.
It’s important to feed them a balanced diet to maintain their vibrant color.
Behavior and Socialization:
Temperament:
The Albino Sunburst Peacock Cichlid is relatively peaceful but can be territorial, especially during breeding.
Males may show aggression towards one another, so it’s generally recommended to keep one male with multiple females (harem breeding) to reduce fighting.
Compatibility:
These cichlids can be kept with other peaceful African cichlids from Lake Malawi that share similar water parameters. Avoid aggressive species that may harm the more peaceful peacock cichlids.
Other peaceful community fish, such as certain species of tetras or catfish, can also be kept in the same tank if the tank is large enough.
Breeding:
Breeding Method:
Like other peacock cichlids, the Albino Sunburst Peacock is a mouthbrooder. The female carries the fertilized eggs in her mouth until they hatch, protecting them from potential threats during incubation.
Males perform elaborate displays to attract females, showing off their colorful fins and body patterns.
Popularity:
The Albino Sunburst Peacock Cichlid is a prized fish in the aquarium hobby due to its unique albino coloration and relatively peaceful temperament compared to other more aggressive cichlids.
Its striking appearance, combined with its manageable care requirements, makes it an excellent choice for hobbyists with an interest in African cichlids.
Overall, the Albino Sunburst Peacock Cichlid is an eye-catching and relatively peaceful fish that can thrive in a well-maintained aquarium, making it a great addition to any cichlid lover's tank.
