Malawi Butterfly Peacock
 
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi sp. Cape Maclear, commonly known as the Malawi Butterfly Peacock, is a popular and enduring species among African cichlid hobbyists. Known by several vernacular names including ‘Freiberg’s peacock’, ‘fairy cichlid’, and ‘African butterfly’, it has also been mistakenly referred to by scientific names such as Trematocranus trevori, T. jacobfreigbergi, and T. regina. Various selectively-bred ornamental forms exist, such as ‘eureka’, ‘albino’, and ‘colour select’. A naturally-occurring yellowish form from Undu reef, Tanzania, is often called ‘lemon jake’.
 
The Malawi Butterfly Peacock is an active hunter, preying on small items it detects in the substrate. In the wild, they live in small groups consisting of a single male and several females, each group establishing and aggressively defending a territory that offers sufficient feeding opportunities. They make excellent additions to community Lake Malawi aquariums and generally get along with other Lake Malawi species, provided the tank is large enough to accommodate multiple territories.
 
The Eureka Red Peacock, a variety of Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, is especially prized for its striking colors, featuring bright oranges and reds contrasted with blue markings on the face, tail, and fins. These vibrant colorations are further enhanced through captive breeding, making them highly sought after among aquarists.
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi is part of the Peacock Cichlids, a small group within the Aulonocara genus that includes about 23 species and numerous subspecies. Their brilliant blues, reds, and yellows have earned them the name "Peacock." Members of the Haplochromis group, they are free-roaming browsers living in sandy areas and open waters, generally larger and more peaceful than the rock-dwelling Mbuna cichlids.
This moderately sized Peacock grows to about 15 cm in length and adapts well to aquariums. They require open swimming space and plenty of caves for hiding, sleeping, and breeding. Regular water changes help maintain their health and vibrant coloring.
 
Species Information
Species: Aulonocara jacobfreibergi sp. Cape Maclear
Common Name: Malawi Butterfly Peacock
Origin: Lake Malawi
Diet: Omnivore
PH Range: 7.5 – 8.5 (Alkaline)
Water Type: Hard
Temperature: 24°C
Breed Type: Mouth brooder
Maximum Size: Approximately 15 cm
Sex: Un-sexed