How to Identify Marble Peacock Cichlid

To identify Marble Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara stuartgranti "Mamelela"), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   Sensory Pores

   Observe the prominent sensory pores on the head, a hallmark of the Aulonocara genus, which are used for detecting prey.

3. 3

   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.

4. 4

   Body Shape

   The compressed, somewhat elongated body shape is typical for Peacock Cichlids.

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