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Aulonocara stuartgranti "Mamelela" is a geographical variant of the popular Aulonocara stuartgranti species, endemic to Lake Malawi. This particular strain is highly prized in the aquarium hobby for its striking coloration, especially in mature males. Like other Peacock Cichlids, it is a benthopelagic species, typically found over sandy substrates where it sifts for invertebrates.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- compressed
- Coloration
- Males exhibit a vibrant, iridescent blue body with varying degrees of orange, yellow, or red marbling or spotting, particularly on the flanks and fins. The intensity and pattern of these colors can vary significantly between individuals and with mood. Females are typically drab, silvery-brown to grey, often with faint vertical bars, providing camouflage. Juveniles resemble females.
- Scale type
- ctenoid
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Prominent sensory pores on the head, characteristic of Aulonocara species, used for detecting invertebrates in the sand., Elongated, somewhat pointed snout., Sexual dimorphism is pronounced, with males being significantly more colorful and larger than females.
- Dorsal fin
- Long and continuous, often with a reddish or orange margin in males, extending almost the entire length of the back.
- Tail fin
- Caudal fin is typically rounded to slightly emarginate, often with color matching the body or with orange/yellow spots in males.
- Pectoral fin
- Transparent to slightly colored, relatively small.
- Distinctive fins
- Pelvic and anal fins in males are often elongated and pointed, with the anal fin displaying prominent egg spots (ocelli) that are crucial for breeding behavior.
Identification Tips
Male Coloration
Look for the iridescent blue body with distinct orange, yellow, or red marbling/spotting. The specific pattern and intensity are key to identifying the 'Mamelela' strain.
Sensory Pores
Observe the prominent sensory pores on the head, a hallmark of the Aulonocara genus, which are used for detecting prey.
Egg Spots
In males, the presence and arrangement of distinct yellow or orange egg spots on the anal fin are characteristic and play a role in breeding.
Body Shape
The compressed, somewhat elongated body shape is typical for Peacock Cichlids.
Habitat
- Water type
- freshwater
- Depth
- Typically found in depths ranging from 5 to 20 meters (16 to 65 feet), though they can be found shallower or deeper.
- Environment
- Prefers areas with sandy substrates interspersed with rocky outcrops. These rocks provide shelter and territorial boundaries, while the sand is crucial for their feeding strategy.
- Geographic range
- Endemic to Lake Malawi, Africa. The "Mamelela" variant specifically originates from the Mamelela area along the eastern shore of Lake Malawi, near the Tanzanian border.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: intermediate
- Temperament: semi-aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 75 gallons (280 liters)
- Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
- pH level: 7.8-8.6
- Hardness: 10-20 dGH
- Compatibility: Best kept with other peaceful to moderately aggressive Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size and temperament. Avoid highly aggressive species or very small, timid fish. Can be kept in a species-only tank or a community tank with other Aulonocara species, provided ample space and hiding spots are available to reduce aggression.
- Special requirements: Requires a sandy substrate for sifting, plenty of rockwork to create caves and hiding places, and stable water parameters. Good filtration is essential due to their messy eating habits. Males can be territorial, especially during breeding, so a ratio of one male to multiple females is recommended to disperse aggression.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Breeds year-round in suitable conditions, with peak activity often influenced by environmental factors such as water temperature and food availability.
- Market price: Varies depending on size, color intensity, and source, typically $20-$50 USD per fish.
- Commercial importance: medium
- Taste: Not typically consumed due to its small size and value as an ornamental fish.
- Texture: Not typically consumed due to its small size and value as an ornamental fish.
- Nutritional value: Not typically consumed due to its small size and value as an ornamental fish.
Key Facts
Sensory Prowessbehavior
Aulonocara species, including 'Mamelela', possess highly developed sensory pores on their heads, which allow them to detect minute movements of invertebrates buried in the sand, even in low light conditions.
Mouthbroodingbehavior
Like many Lake Malawi cichlids, Aulonocara stuartgranti 'Mamelela' is a maternal mouthbrooder. The female holds the fertilized eggs and fry in her mouth for several weeks until they are free-swimming, providing protection from predators.
Geographical Variantinteresting
The 'Mamelela' designation indicates a specific geographical population of Aulonocara stuartgranti, often exhibiting unique color patterns that distinguish it from other populations of the same species found elsewhere in Lake Malawi.
Sand Siftersbehavior
Their feeding strategy involves sifting through sandy substrates, taking mouthfuls of sand and expelling it through their gills, retaining any small invertebrates or detritus. This behavior is crucial for their ecological role.
Safety Information
Safe- Safety level: safe
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: not recommended
- Handling notes: No specific handling precautions beyond standard fish care. Avoid excessive stress during netting and transfer. Like all fish, they can bite if threatened, but their teeth are small and not a significant hazard to humans.
Similar Species
Rubescens Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara stuartgranti "Rubescens"
While also a variant of A. stuartgranti, 'Rubescens' males typically exhibit a more uniform red or orange coloration over the blue, often lacking the distinct 'marbled' or 'spotted' pattern seen in 'Mamelela'. The blue is usually less dominant.
Ngara Flametail Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara stuartgranti "Ngara"
The 'Ngara' variant is known for its bright yellow to orange dorsal and caudal fins, often with a more pronounced blue body that can be less marbled than 'Mamelela'. The 'flametail' characteristic is a key differentiator.
Chitande Type North Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara stuartgranti "Chitande Type North"
This variant often displays a more intense blue body with less extensive orange/red markings, which tend to be more concentrated on the lower flanks and fins rather than a marbled pattern across the body.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cichliformes
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Genus
- Aulonocara
- Species
- A. stuartgranti
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