
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
A Lake Malawi peacock cichlid of cave-like rocky recesses. Males show blue and red-gold with white-edged fins, and the fish sifts sand through its mouth to find food.
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi is a peacock cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, reported from Nkudzi, Monkey Bay, Nankumba, the Domwe Islands and Otter Point. FishBase records a maximum of 15cm TL and Seriously Fish gives 17cm SL. It lives in cave-like spaces beneath rock and feeds by taking sand into its mouth and sifting out small benthic animals. Males combine blue and red-gold with white-edged dorsal and anal fins, while females remain plain brown. It is less peaceful than some congeners and males react strongly to similarly coloured fish, so choose differently patterned Copadichromis or Placidochromis. Use 120 x 60cm (about 430 litres) at pH 7.5-9.0, 10-25 dGH and 25-29C. Females mouthbrood for up to four weeks.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Fairy Cichlid lives 8-12 years.
The Fairy Cichlid grows to 15-17cm.
The ideal temperature for the Fairy Cichlid is 25〜29℃.
Origin
Lake Malawi, Africa (Nkudzi, Monkey Bay, Domwe Islands, Otter Point)
Lifespan
8-12 years
Size
15-17cm
Sources: Seriously Fish / FishBase
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Aulonocara jacobfreibergi (Johnson, 1974)
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: LC)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
25〜29℃
Fine-grade prepared foods and frozen bloodworm
120 x 60cm (about 430 litres) or larger. Build cave-like spaces from rock over a fine substrate the fish can sift.
25-29C, pH 7.5-9.0, 10-25 dGH. Keep the water hard and alkaline.
Males react strongly to similarly coloured fish. Differently patterned Copadichromis or Placidochromis suit it, and outside very large tanks keep one male with four to six females.
Match its sand-sifting habit with fine-grade prepared foods plus small live or frozen chironomid larvae, given as three or four small meals a day.
A mouthbrooder. The female responds to the egg spots on the male's anal fin for fertilisation, then carries the brood for up to four weeks.
Aulonocara hybrids circulate readily, so fish with a stated locality help keep lines pure. Because it stirs the substrate, fine sand is best.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Fairy Cichlid is 25〜29℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Fairy Cichlid is 8-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Fairy Cichlid typically reaches 15-17cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Fairy Cichlid feeds on: Fine-grade prepared foods and frozen bloodworm. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Fairy Cichlid varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026