{"product_id":"blueberry-ob-cichlid","title":"Blueberry O.B. Cichlid – Hybrid Peacock Cichlid","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBlueberry O.B. Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e is a selectively bred hybrid African cichlid known for its striking blue coloration combined with irregular dark, orange, and contrasting blotched markings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fish is generally sold as an \u003cstrong\u003eAulonocara sp.\u003c\/strong\u003e hybrid, commonly referred to as an OB Peacock. The “OB” designation refers to the irregular blotched pattern seen across the body, and because these fish are hybrids, no two individuals will look exactly alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStriking blue, dark, orange, and contrasting blotched coloration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHybrid Peacock cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScientific designation: \u003cstrong\u003eAulonocara sp.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdult size approximately \u003cstrong\u003e5–6 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMild to moderately aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest suited for African cichlid aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGenerally compatible with similarly sized Peacocks and Haps\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIndividual color and pattern will vary\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct Information\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blueberry O.B. Cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aulonocara sp. hybrid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eType:\u003c\/strong\u003e OB Peacock Cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Captive-bred hybrid strain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 5–6 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mild to moderately aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omnivorous cichlid diet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Freshwater\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eColor \u0026amp; Appearance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlueberry O.B. Cichlids are prized for their bright blue coloration and highly variable blotched patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDepending on the individual fish, coloration may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBright blue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeep cobalt blue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElectric blue accents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrange\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRed or pink accents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack or dark irregular blotches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause Blueberry OBs are hybrid fish, \u003cstrong\u003ecoloration and pattern are not uniform\u003c\/strong\u003e. The fish you receive may look noticeably different from photographs of other individuals from the same strain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlueberry O.B. Cichlids generally reach approximately \u003cstrong\u003e5–6 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e as adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales are often more intensely colored, while females and juveniles may show more subdued coloration depending on genetics, age, and maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003cstrong\u003e55-gallon aquarium or larger\u003c\/strong\u003e is a good practical starting point for a small African cichlid community containing Blueberry OBs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarger aquariums are preferred when keeping multiple adult males, larger groups, or other similarly sized Peacock and Hap cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlueberry O.B. Cichlids should be maintained under water conditions appropriate for Lake Malawi-type African cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 76–82°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 7.6–8.6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard to hard water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0 ppm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable water quality is extremely important. Use strong biological filtration and perform regular partial water changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA suitable Blueberry O.B. Cichlid aquarium should provide both open swimming space and visual barriers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecommended décor may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSand or fine gravel substrate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRock structures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCaves and hiding areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpen swimming space\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong biological filtration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGood oxygenation and circulation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecure rockwork carefully so digging fish cannot undermine unstable structures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlueberry OBs are typically considered \u003cstrong\u003emild to moderately aggressive\u003c\/strong\u003e for an African cichlid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMales may become territorial toward other males, particularly when competing for females, food, or breeding territory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA larger aquarium with visual barriers and adequate swimming space can help reduce persistent aggression.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlueberry O.B. Cichlids are generally best kept with other African cichlids of similar size and temperament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood potential tank mates include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther Peacock cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSimilar-sized Haplochromine cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther moderately tempered Lake Malawi-type cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are generally best matched with similarly sized \u003cstrong\u003ePeacocks and Haps\u003c\/strong\u003e rather than highly aggressive species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Avoid Aggressive Mbuna?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany Mbuna species can be considerably more aggressive and territorial than Peacock cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough compatibility can vary by individual fish and aquarium setup, mixing OB Peacocks with aggressive Mbuna may lead to stress, chasing, fin damage, or injury.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlueberry O.B. Cichlids should receive a high-quality diet formulated for African cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable foods may include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality cichlid pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eColor-enhancing pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpirulina-containing foods\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMysis shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther appropriate frozen foods in moderation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed small portions that the fish can consume within a short period and avoid chronic overfeeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike other Peacock-type cichlids, Blueberry OBs are typically \u003cstrong\u003ematernal mouthbrooders\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring spawning, the female collects fertilized eggs in her mouth and carries the developing young until they are ready to be released.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding females may stop eating while holding eggs or fry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOB Hybrid Genetics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOB Peacocks are selectively bred hybrids rather than naturally occurring pure species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe OB pattern was introduced into Peacock and Hap breeding lines through hybridization involving blotched Lake Malawi cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause of this genetic variability, individual offspring may differ substantially in:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlue color intensity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlotch pattern\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmount of orange or red\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDark pigmentation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOverall body appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat species is the Blueberry O.B. Cichlid?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is a selectively bred hybrid Peacock cichlid typically sold as Aulonocara sp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big does a Blueberry O.B. Cichlid get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdults generally reach approximately 5–6 inches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Blueberry OB Cichlids aggressive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are usually mild to moderately aggressive. Adult males may become territorial, especially around other males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Blueberry OBs live with other Peacocks?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Similarly sized Peacock cichlids are generally among the better tank mate choices.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan Blueberry OBs live with Mbuna?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is generally better to avoid mixing them with highly aggressive Mbuna species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill every Blueberry OB look the same?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. These are hybrids, and individual color and blotch patterns can vary considerably.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Blueberry O.B. Cichlids freshwater fish?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are freshwater African cichlids that prefer hard, alkaline water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlueberry O.B. Cichlids are available from \u003cstrong\u003eTropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/strong\u003e in Cheyenne, Wyoming, when in stock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLive fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only and are not available for shipping.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67630313406677,"sku":null,"price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/blueberry-ob-cichlid","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}