Sunshine Peacock Cichlid
Cichlidae sp.
Sunshine Peacock Cichlid (Cichlidae sp.) — Advanced care, Aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 63 US gal min; aim for 77–84°F and pH 6.5–8.5. The Sunshine Peacock Cichlid appeals to seasoned aquarists seeking a vibrant, dynamic centerpiece fish.

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
Africa / South America (varies)
- Africa
- South America
Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.
Sunshine Peacock Cichlid Tank Setup
Aim for a spacious layout that balances open swimming areas with numerous caves and hiding spots. Use a sandy substrate to mimic their natural habitat, ensuring good water flow and moderate lighting to promote comfort. Maintain a volume of at least 240 liters to accommodate their activity and territorial needs.
What Do Sunshine Peacock Cichlids Eat?
These cichlids have a varied omnivorous diet and can be competitive feeders. Fast-moving, opportunistic eaters may need to be monitored to ensure all tank inhabitants receive adequate nutrition, particularly when enhancing coloration with high-quality foods.
Sunshine Peacock Cichlid Tank Mates
Ideal companions are similarly sized, robust fish that can hold their own, avoiding long-finned species and smaller tankmates that are at risk of being targeted. When keeping multiple Sunshine Peacocks, provide ample space to assert territories and reduce aggression among them.
Are Sunshine Peacock Cichlids Good for Beginners?
This sits in the advanced range in the app. Strong filtration, stable chemistry, and reading up before purchase matter more than a catchy shop name. Aquarists often underestimate the territorial nature of Sunshine Peacocks, leading to aggressive encounters in smaller tanks or with inappropriate tankmates. Neglecting to provide enough hiding spots can also escalate stress and aggression levels.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
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