Malawi Cichlids: A Guide to Haps and Peacocks

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Malawi cichlids are among the most popular freshwater fish kept by UK aquarists. Native to Lake Malawi in East Africa, they are prized for their bright colouration, active behaviour, and relatively straightforward care requirements. At Pet Aqua we stock two of the most sought-after groups: the Haplochromines (Haps) and the Peacocks (Aulonocara). This guide covers the species we hold and what you need to know before adding them to your aquarium.

What Are Malawi Cichlids?

Lake Malawi is one of the African Rift Valley lakes and home to hundreds of cichlid species. These fish have evolved to fill a wide range of ecological niches, resulting in distinct groups with different feeding habits, temperaments, and care needs. The two groups we focus on at Pet Aqua — Haps and Peacocks — are both haplochromine cichlids but differ noticeably in behaviour and size.

Haps (Haplochromines)

Haps are a diverse group of open-water and predator cichlids. They tend to be larger and more active than Peacocks, with several species growing to 20 cm or more in a well-maintained aquarium.

Species we stock

• Blue Dolphin Cichlid (Cyrtocara moorii) — A distinctive blue, hump-headed species that reaches around 20 cm. Peaceful for a Hap, but needs space.

• Red Empress Cichlid (Protomelas taeniolatus) — Males develop striking red and blue colouration. A popular and relatively peaceful Hap.

• Borleyi Hap Cichlid (Copadichromis borleyi) — An elegant, laterally compressed fish with bright fin colouration in males.

• VC10 Cichlid (Placidochromis milmo) — A deep-bodied Hap known for its calm temperament and attractive markings.

Key characteristics

• Size: Most reach 15–25 cm, so a tank of 400 litres or more is recommended for adult fish.

• Temperament: Moderately aggressive. They do best in species-specific or all-male Malawi setups.

• Diet: Many Haps are piscivores in the wild, feeding on smaller fish. In the aquarium they accept high-quality cichlid pellets, supplemented with frozen foods such as krill and mysis. Avoid diets heavy in vegetable matter, as this does not suit their digestive system.

Peacocks (Aulonocara)

Peacocks are named for the striking colours displayed by males, which rival many marine fish in intensity. They are generally smaller and more peaceful than Haps, making them a good choice for aquarists moving on from community tanks.

Species we stock

• Rubin Red Peacock (Aulonocara jacobfreibergi) — A vivid red variety, one of the most colourful Peacocks available.

• Yellow Peacock (Aulonocara baenschi) — Bright yellow body with blue markings on the face. A firm favourite.

• Usisya Peacock (Aulonocara stuartgranti "Usisya") — Blue and orange colouration with a distinctive pattern.

• Blue Peacock (Aulonocara nyassae) — Classic blue Peacock colouration, calm and easy to keep.

• Maylandi Peacock (Aulonocara maylandi) — Subtle blue and yellow tones with a peaceful nature.

• Orange Blotch Peacock (Aulonocara sp.) — An attractive orange blotched variety.

• Tangerine Peacock (Aulonocara sp.) — A selectively bred orange variety with strong colour.

Key characteristics

• Size: Most species reach 10–15 cm, making them suitable for tanks of 250 litres and above.

• Temperament: Relatively peaceful for Malawi cichlids. They can be kept with Haps of similar size but should not be housed with the more aggressive Mbuna group.

• Diet: Carnivorous. In the wild they feed on invertebrates in the sandy substrate. Offer a quality cichlid pellet alongside frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, and daphnia.

Setting Up a Malawi Cichlid Aquarium

A successful Malawi tank relies on three things: water quality, appropriate décor, and compatible stocking.

Tank size

For a mixed Hap and Peacock setup we recommend a minimum of 400 litres. Larger volumes dilute aggression and provide the swimming space these active fish need.

Water parameters

• Temperature: 24–28°C

• pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline)

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

Malawi cichlids require hard, alkaline water. In many parts of the UK tap water is naturally suitable, but it is worth testing regularly and buffering the pH where necessary.

Filtration

These fish are heavy feeders and produce a lot of waste. A robust external filter rated above the tank's volume is essential. Consider additional mechanical filtration to keep water clarity high.

Décor

Haps and Peacocks are open-water fish, so the tank should prioritise swimming space over rockwork. A sandy substrate suits Peacocks in particular, as they naturally forage by sifting sand. A few rock formations provide territory and cover, but avoid the dense rock piles favoured by Mbuna.

Stocking and Compatibility

Haps and Peacocks can be kept together successfully, provided a few principles are followed:

• Keep one male per species to reduce hybridisation and aggression.

• Overstock moderately to spread aggression, but ensure filtration can cope with the additional bioload.

• Avoid Mbuna in the same tank. Their aggression and dietary needs (largely herbivorous) are incompatible with Haps and Peacocks.

• Avoid mixing similar-looking species, particularly among Peacocks, as males will compete for territory and females.

Feeding

Feed a high-quality cichlid pellet as the staple diet. Haps benefit from a protein-rich formulation, while Peacocks do well on a varied carnivorous diet. Supplement with frozen foods two to three times a week, and avoid overfeeding to maintain water quality.

Common Health Issues

Malawi cichlids are generally hardy, but poor water quality and inappropriate diet lead to the most common problems:

• Malawi bloat: Often linked to fatty diets or poor water quality. Feed appropriately and maintain regular water changes.

• Hexamita: A parasitic infection that can follow stress or poor nutrition. Quarantine new fish and maintain stable water parameters.

• Aggression injuries: Provide adequate space and hiding spots to minimise territorial disputes.

Why Choose Haps and Peacocks?

Haps and Peacocks offer the colour and character of Malawi cichlids without the demanding aggression of Mbuna. Their manageable care requirements and striking appearance make them an excellent choice for aquarists ready to move beyond a standard community tank.

At Pet Aqua we stock a carefully selected range of Haps and Peacocks, including the Blue Dolphin, Red Empress, Borleyi Hap, VC10, and a wide choice of Peacock varieties.

Browse our current African cichlids online or visit us in store.