Ruby Crystal Peacock Cichlid – Colorful African Peacock Cichlid

The Ruby Crystal Peacock Cichlid is a colorful African peacock cichlid often kept in Lake Malawi-style aquariums. Males may show red, orange, blue, or metallic tones depending on age, genetics, mood, lighting, and overall care.

Peacock cichlids are best kept in properly sized aquariums with stable water parameters, strong filtration, open swimming space, and rockwork for structure. They are not community fish for small peaceful aquariums and should be housed with compatible African cichlids.

Key Features

• Colorful Peacock Cichlid: Males may develop bright red, orange, blue, or metallic coloration
• Lake Malawi Cichlid: Best suited for African cichlid aquariums with appropriate water parameters
• Active Swimmer: Needs open swimming space and a properly sized aquarium
• Semi-Aggressive Temperament: Best kept with compatible African cichlids
• Rockwork Recommended: Provides structure, territories, and visual barriers
• Local Pickup Only: Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only

Fish Information

• Common Name: Ruby Crystal Peacock Cichlid
• Type: African Peacock Cichlid
• Scientific Group: Aulonocara-type Peacock Cichlid
• Origin: Lake Malawi lineage / aquarium strain
• Adult Size: Approximately 4–6 inches
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Care Level: Intermediate
• Diet: Omnivore / cichlid pellet, granule, and frozen food rotation

Care Guide

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons or larger recommended for most peacock cichlid setups
• Temperature: 76–82°F
• pH: 7.8–8.6
• Water Hardness: Moderate to hard water preferred
• Tank Level: Middle to lower swimming areas
• Setup: Sand or fine substrate, rockwork, open swimming space, and strong filtration

Tank Setup

Ruby Crystal Peacock Cichlids do best in African cichlid aquariums with open swimming space and rockwork arranged to create visual barriers. Avoid sharp decor that may injure fish during chasing or territorial behavior.

Good filtration and regular water changes are important because African cichlid tanks can have higher bioloads. Stable water parameters are more important than chasing exact numbers.

Diet & Feeding

Feed a quality African cichlid pellet or granule as the main food, then rotate with appropriate frozen or prepared foods. Avoid overfeeding, as excess food can contribute to water quality problems.

Feed only what the fish can consume within a few minutes. Remove uneaten food as needed and adjust feeding based on fish size, stocking level, and water quality.

Tankmates

• Other compatible peacock cichlids
• Compatible Haplochromis-type African cichlids
• Some Synodontis catfish species in appropriate setups
• Other Lake Malawi cichlids with similar size and temperament

Avoid keeping Ruby Crystal Peacock Cichlids with small peaceful community fish, slow-moving fish, long-finned fish, or very small bottom dwellers. Avoid mixing with overly aggressive Mbuna unless the tank is planned carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Ruby Crystal Peacock Cichlids get?
Most peacock cichlids reach approximately 4–6 inches as adults, depending on genetics, sex, diet, and care.

Are Ruby Crystal Peacock Cichlids aggressive?
They are semi-aggressive and should be kept with compatible African cichlids. Males may become territorial, especially when mature.

What size tank do they need?
A 55 gallon or larger aquarium is recommended for most peacock cichlid setups. Larger tanks are better for groups or mixed African cichlid communities.

Can Ruby Crystal Peacock Cichlids live with community fish?
No. They are not a good match for small peaceful community fish. They should be kept in an appropriately planned African cichlid aquarium.

What should I feed Ruby Crystal Peacock Cichlids?
Feed quality African cichlid pellets or granules, with occasional appropriate frozen or prepared foods. Avoid overfeeding and choose foods based on the fish being kept.

Can this fish be shipped?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo

Ruby Crystal Peacock Cichlids are colorful African peacock cichlids for properly stocked Lake Malawi-style aquariums. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop African cichlids, peacock cichlids, cichlid food, aquarium filters, substrate, rocks, water conditioners, and freshwater aquarium supplies.

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