{"product_id":"marmalade-ob-peacock-aulonocara-sp-ob","title":"Marmalade OB Peacock | Aulonocara sp. 'OB'","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Marmalade OB Peacock is a striking, aquarium-bred Aulonocara strain showing a blotched \"OB\" (orange-blotch) pattern over warm marmalade and blue tones. Reaching around 12–15 cm, it combines the graceful, sand-sifting habits of the peacocks with vivid colour, making it a popular centrepiece for larger Lake Malawi displays.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeacock cichlids of the genus Aulonocara originate from Lake Malawi, where they patrol the sandy margins and transitional zones near rocks, using sensitive sensory pores on the face to detect small invertebrates in the substrate. The OB colour form is a captive-developed strain rather than a wild population.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis fish displays an irregular patchwork of orange, cream and blue blotches across the body and fins. Males colour up most intensely, while females are generally more subdued. It has the classic peacock body shape with a pointed snout adapted for sifting sand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSemi-aggressive and noticeably calmer than mbuna, the Marmalade OB Peacock suits a Malawi community of similarly tempered haps and peacocks. Males can be territorial, particularly at breeding time, so provide space and structure to break up sight lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn omnivore that naturally hunts small invertebrates from the sand, it does well on quality cichlid pellets and flakes with occasional frozen foods such as brine shrimp. Avoid feeding tubifex or excessive mammalian protein to reduce the risk of Malawi bloat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide hard, alkaline water, a sandy substrate for natural sifting behaviour, and rockwork for shelter. A tank of at least 190 litres is recommended, with larger volumes preferred for mixed cichlid communities. Good filtration and regular water changes are essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA maternal mouthbrooder. After a courtship display over the sand the female holds the fertilised eggs in her mouth for around three weeks. Because the OB is a hybrid\/selectively bred strain, offspring colour can be variable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAulonocara sp. 'OB' (aquarium-bred hybrid)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMarmalade OB Peacock\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLake Malawi lineage (captive-developed strain)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e12–15 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6–8 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-aggressive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e190 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250 litres or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore – cichlid pellets, flakes, frozen brine shrimp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.6–8.6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–25 dGH (hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMalawi peacock \/ hap community aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGenerally yes – may disturb plantings while sifting sand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther peacocks (Aulonocara), peaceful haps such as Placidochromis and Copadichromis, and similarly sized non-boisterous Malawi cichlids. Keep one male per group of females where possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAggressive mbuna that will outcompete it for food, very small community fish, and soft-water species unsuited to hard, alkaline conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232781189411,"sku":"AA3553-S","price":14.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232781222179,"sku":"AA3553","price":19.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232781254947,"sku":"AA3553-L","price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/marmalade-ob-peacock-aulonoc-43879589708067.webp?v=1790305552","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/marmalade-ob-peacock-aulonocara-sp-ob","provider":"Nicks AOT","version":"1.0","type":"link"}