Everything You Need to Know About OB Peacock Cichlids

An OB Peacock Cichlid is a striking hybrid species of African Cichlid known for its vibrant spotted patterns and dynamic personality. “OB” stands for Orange Blotch, referring to the marbled or spotted color pattern that makes this fish a favorite among aquarists in the United States and beyond.

Unlike purebred Peacock Cichlids from Lake Malawi, OB varieties are man-made hybrids—typically a cross between a female Mbuna and a male Peacock (Aulonocara). The result is a colorful, active, and resilient fish that thrives in home aquariums.

Where Do OB Peacock Cichlids Come From?

OB Peacock Cichlids are not naturally found in the wild. They were first developed through selective breeding by aquarium enthusiasts and breeders in the U.S. and Africa.

Their parent species originate from Lake Malawi in East Africa, one of the most biodiverse freshwater ecosystems on Earth.

Today, OB Peacock Cichlids are popular across U.S. aquarium stores because of their manageable care needs and eye-catching appearance.

How Big Do OB Peacock Cichlids Get?

OB Peacock Cichlids typically grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length. Males are often slightly larger and more vibrantly colored than females.

Their size makes them suitable for medium to large aquariums (50 gallons or more), offering plenty of space to swim and establish territory.

What Makes OB Peacock Cichlids So Colorful?

Their color comes from selective hybrid breeding, resulting in unique combinations of orange, blue, yellow, black, and red blotches.

No two OB Peacock Cichlids look exactly alike, which is why many aquarists collect multiple OB variants to create visually stunning tanks.

Lighting, water quality, and diet also play a major role in enhancing their coloration.

How to Care for OB Peacock Cichlids at Home?

Caring for OB Peacock Cichlids is fairly easy, even for beginners. They are hardy, adaptable, and less aggressive than other African Cichlids when kept in ideal tank conditions.

Basic Care Tips:

Tank Size: Minimum 50 gallons for a small group

Water Temperature: 76°F–82°F (24°C–28°C)

pH Level: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline water preferred)

Substrate: Sand or fine gravel mimicking Lake Malawi

Décor: Rocks and caves for hiding and territorial setup

Perform 20–30% water changes weekly to maintain clean conditions and reduce stress.

What Do OB Peacock Cichlids Eat?

OB Peacock Cichlids are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter.

A balanced diet is essential for bright coloration and healthy growth.

Recommended Diet:

High-quality Cichlid pellets or flakes

• Frozen or live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia)
• Blanched vegetables (spinach, peas, zucchini)
• Avoid overfeeding and stick to two small meals per day to prevent bloating and water pollution.

Can OB Peacock Cichlids Live with Other Fish?

Yes — but choose tankmates wisely! OB Peacock Cichlids are semi-aggressive, especially males defending territory. They do best with other similar-sized African Cichlids that share the same water conditions.

• Good Tankmates:
• Other Peacock Cichlids
• Haps (Haplochromis species)
• Certain Mbunas (with caution)
• Avoid housing them with smaller, slower, or long-finned species like guppies or angelfish.

How to Breed OB Peacock Cichlids Successfully?

Breeding OB Peacock Cichlids is exciting but requires patience. They are mouthbrooders, meaning the female carries fertilized eggs in her mouth until the fry hatch.

Breeding Steps:

• Create a separate breeding tank (at least 40 gallons).
• Maintain warm, clean water (around 80°F).
• Provide flat rocks or caves for spawning.
• Once the female holds eggs, isolate her to prevent stress.
• After about 21–28 days, fry are released and can be fed crushed flakes or baby brine shrimp.

Are OB Peacock Cichlids Right for You?

If you’re looking for a vibrant, easy-to-care-for freshwater fish, the OB Peacock Cichlid is a top choice. They adapt well to U.S. water conditions, add stunning color to aquariums, and offer interactive behavior that fish enthusiasts love.

Their hybrid nature also means you’ll get a one-of-a-kind pet — no two look exactly the same.

Quick Facts About OB Peacock Cichlids

Scientific Classification: Hybrid of Aulonocara species

Common Name: Orange Blotch Peacock

• Origin: Bred from Lake Malawi Cichlids
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive
• Diet: Omnivore
• Average Lifespan: 6–8 years
• Ideal Tank Size: 50+ gallons

Final Thoughts

The OB Peacock Cichlid is a colorful, lively, and relatively easy-to-manage hybrid that brings life and beauty to any freshwater aquarium. With proper care, balanced nutrition, and thoughtful tank setup, these fish can thrive and become the highlight of your home aquarium.

FAQs

1. Are OB Peacock Cichlids aggressive?

They are mildly aggressive, especially males, but aggression can be minimized with proper tank size and compatible tankmates.

2. How can I enhance the color of my OB Peacock Cichlid?

Feed a high-quality diet, maintain good lighting, and keep stress levels low for brighter, richer colors.

3. Can OB Peacock Cichlids live with Mbuna?

Yes, but choose less aggressive Mbuna species and ensure plenty of hiding spaces to reduce conflict.

4. How often should I feed my OB Peacock Cichlids?

Twice a day in small portions — just enough that they can finish in two minutes.

5. How long do OB Peacock Cichlids live?

With proper care, they can live 6 to 8 years, sometimes longer in ideal conditions.

6. What tank size is best for OB Peacock Cichlids?

A 50-gallon tank or larger is recommended for a small group to allow free swimming and reduced aggression.

7. Can OB Peacock Cichlids be kept with plants?

Yes, but choose hardy plants like Anubias or Java Fern, as they may dig around softer plants.