Assorted Haps and Peacock Cichlids for Sale | Complete Care & Setup Guide

Assorted Haps and Peacock Cichlids: The Ultimate Guide to Lake Malawi’s Most Stunning Show Fish

Introduction

If you’re looking to add bold color, powerful personality, and nonstop motion to your aquarium, Assorted Haps and Peacock Cichlids are your ticket to a vibrant, active underwater world. Native to Lake Malawi, these fish are prized for their electric hues, relatively peaceful nature (compared to mbuna), and dramatic displays—making them top picks for freshwater enthusiasts worldwide.

In this all-in-one guide, we break down the origins, care requirements, compatibility, feeding, and ideal tank setups for assorted Haplochromis (Haps) and Aulonocara (Peacocks). You'll also learn why RobsAquatics.com is your best source for healthy, brilliantly colored assorted cichlids at competitive prices.


Table of Contents

  1. What Are Haps and Peacocks?

  2. Origins: Lake Malawi’s Open Waters and Sandy Beds

  3. Key Differences Between Haps and Peacocks

  4. Why Choose “Assorted” Packs?

  5. Common Species in Assorted Haps and Peacocks

  6. Size, Growth Rate, and Lifespan

  7. Ideal Tank Setup

  8. Water Parameters and Maintenance

  9. Aquascaping for Display and Comfort

  10. Feeding Requirements

  11. Aggression and Social Behavior

  12. Compatible Tank Mates

  13. Breeding Behavior

  14. Disease Prevention and Health

  15. Why These Fish Are Popular

  16. Where to Buy Quality Assorted Haps and Peacocks

  17. Why RobsAquatics.com Is the Best Choice

  18. Final Thoughts


1. What Are Haps and Peacocks?

Both Haps (Haplochromis) and Peacocks (Aulonocara) are part of the Lake Malawi cichlid family. While mbuna are rock dwellers, Haps and Peacocks prefer open water and sandy areas. This gives them more space to grow—and they get big, bold, and colorful.

  • Haps: Larger, more predatory, and often faster swimmers.

  • Peacocks: Smaller, less aggressive, with intricate scale coloration and smoother behavior.


2. Origins: Lake Malawi’s Open Waters and Sandy Beds

Lake Malawi is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world and a biodiversity hotspot. Peacocks and Haps live in the:

  • Intermediate zones between rocky areas and open water

  • Sandy bottoms and open swimming lanes

  • Clear, alkaline, oxygen-rich water

They have evolved to flash colors and court mates in open view—hence their dazzling displays.


3. Key Differences Between Haps and Peacocks

Feature Haps Peacocks
Genus Haplochromis Aulonocara
Size 6–10 inches 4–6 inches
Coloration Bold with metallic hues Intricate scale iridescence
Temperament Semi-aggressive Peaceful to semi-aggressive
Swimming Zone Open water Mid to lower levels

Most aquarists combine the two for a visually stunning, balanced tank.


4. Why Choose “Assorted” Packs?

Buying assorted Haps and Peacocks is the fastest, most cost-effective way to:

  • Fill your tank with a variety of colors

  • Establish social dynamics among new arrivals

  • Get rare or hard-to-find species at bundle pricing

  • Ensure aggression is spread evenly

RobsAquatics.com curates assorted packs that feature healthy males in peak color from different lineages—no two are alike.


5. Common Species in Assorted Packs

Some popular species found in our Assorted Hap & Peacock Packs:

Name Type Colors
OB Peacock Peacock Orange, blue, black marbling
Dragon Blood Peacock Peacock Bright red/orange
Electric Blue Ahli (Sciaenochromis) Hap Neon blue body
Red Empress (Protomelas taeniolatus) Hap Red, blue, and silver flash
Sunshine Peacock (Aulonocara baenschi) Peacock Yellow with blue face
Venustus (Nimbochromis venustus) Hap Yellow leopard print

6. Size, Growth Rate, and Lifespan

  • Peacocks: 4–6 inches full grown

  • Haps: 6–10 inches depending on species

  • Growth rate: Fast with proper food

  • Lifespan: 7–10 years on average

Peacocks are typically ready to show full color by 3–5 inches.


7. Ideal Tank Setup

  • Minimum size: 55 gallons for small groups

  • Recommended: 75+ gallons for assorted groups

  • Filtration: Strong canister or HOB filters with sponge supplements

  • Substrate: Aragonite sand to maintain pH and mimic Lake Malawi

  • Décor: Use rocks and caves along sides with open center swimming zones

Open water is important—these fish are active swimmers.


8. Water Parameters and Maintenance

  • Temperature: 76–80°F

  • pH: 7.8–8.6

  • Hardness: 10–20 dGH

  • Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

  • Nitrate: Under 30 ppm

Weekly water changes (25–40%) are critical to preserve health and color vibrancy.


9. Aquascaping for Display and Comfort

  • Avoid cluttering the center—leave swimming lanes

  • Rock piles and caves provide retreats

  • Use aragonite sand or crushed coral to buffer pH

  • Floating plants are optional (but can help with shade and aggression)

Light should be moderate to high to bring out their brilliant hues.


10. Feeding Requirements

Haps and Peacocks are omnivorous with carnivorous leanings:

  • Staple diet:

    • High-protein pellets

    • Spirulina flakes

    • Krill and shrimp-based formulas

  • Supplements:

    • Frozen foods: brine shrimp, mysis shrimp

    • Occasional bloodworms (not frequently—can cause bloating)

Feed 2x per day, in amounts consumed within 1–2 minutes.


11. Aggression and Social Behavior

  • Peacocks are more tolerant and social

  • Haps may show dominance, especially males

  • Overstocking helps spread aggression

  • Avoid mixing males of the same color unless you have a very large tank

Add fish in groups and rearrange décor during introductions to reset territories.


12. Compatible Tank Mates

Ideal tank mates:

  • Other Haps and Peacocks

  • Synodontis catfish

  • Plecos (Bristlenose, Rubberlip)

  • Protomelas and Copadichromis

Avoid:

  • Mbuna (too aggressive)

  • Small or delicate fish

  • Soft-water tropicals like angelfish or tetras


13. Breeding Behavior

  • Males build a spawning pit or claim a flat rock

  • Females lay eggs and scoop them into their mouths

  • Maternal mouthbrooding for ~3 weeks

  • Fry can be stripped and raised separately or left to emerge naturally

Separate breeding pairs if you want to preserve lineage and avoid hybridization.


14. Disease Prevention and Health

Common issues:

  • Bloat: From poor diet or water conditions

  • Ich: Caused by stress or temp fluctuations

  • Fin rot: From aggression or injury

Prevention tips:

  • Stable water changes

  • Quarantine new fish

  • Garlic-enhanced foods to boost immunity

  • Avoid overfeeding


15. Why These Fish Are Popular

  • Unbeatable coloration in freshwater fish

  • Active, engaging behavior

  • Excellent for display tanks

  • Readily breed in captivity

  • Diverse shapes, patterns, and personalities

Perfect for hobbyists who want color AND motion in a lively, balanced cichlid tank.


16. Where to Buy Quality Assorted Haps and Peacocks

You want:

  • Quarantined and conditioned fish

  • Feeding properly on pellets

  • Vibrant, male-focused packs for maximum color

  • Fast, safe, and heat-packed shipping

That’s exactly what RobsAquatics.com delivers.


17. Why RobsAquatics.com Is the Best Choice

✅ Hand-selected assorted Haps and Peacocks
✅ Quarantined and feeding on high-protein diets
✅ Peak-color males with vivid patterns
✅ Ethically sourced from top breeders
✅ Live arrival guarantee + expert advice
✅ Affordable pricing and fast, secure shipping

👉 Shop Assorted Haps and Peacocks at RobsAquatics.com and bring your aquarium to life.


18. Final Thoughts

Assorted Haps and Peacock Cichlids offer everything hobbyists crave: brilliant color, bold behavior, and big personality. Whether you’re building your first Malawi tank or looking to add excitement to a mature system, these cichlids never disappoint.

Visit RobsAquatics.com today and choose from our elite selection of Assorted Haps and Peacocks—your dream tank is only a click away.

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