Fairy Cichlid, also known as Freiberg’s Peacock, is a freshwater fish from the Cichlid family.
This fish comes in different colors such as red and yellow. Fairy Cichlids are native to Malawi and live in places like Nkudzi, Monkey Bay, Nankumba, Domwe Islands, and Otter Point in Lake Malawi.
The name honors Jacob Freiberg, a fish importer from New Jersey who helped collect this species.
In the northern part of their habitat area, they live among rocks and large boulders.
In the southern part of their habitat area, they live in mixed environments where males have small caves for homes.
Fairy Cichlid Interesting Facts
- Fairy Cichlids, or Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, are native to Lake Malawi in Africa.
- They inhabit different environments; rocky areas in the north and mixed environments with caves in the south.
- This tropical fish prefers water with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.0 and temperatures between 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C).
- Capable of growing up to 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters) long, they can lay up to 50 eggs at a time.
Fairy Cichlid Habitat
Fairy Cichlid is found only in Lake Malawi, Africa, specifically in areas like Nkudzi, Monkey Bay, Nankumba, Domwe Islands, and Otter Point.
This freshwater fish prefers to swim near the bottom of the lake and likes water with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.0 and a hardness level between 9 to 19 dH.
The ideal temperature for this tropical fish is between 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C). It’s commonly found within the latitudes of 13°S to 15°S.
| Water Temperature: | 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | 7.5 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 9 to 19 dH |
Fairy Cichlid Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters)
Fairy Cichlid grows up to 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters) long.
Fairy Cichlid Reproduction
Fairy Cichlids are oviparous. Females can lay up to 50 eggs at a time.
Fairy Cichlid Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Aulonocara |
| Scientific Name: | Aulonocara jacobfreibergi |
| Also Known As: | Fairy Cichlid, Freiberg’s Peacock |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |