Assorted Haps and Peacock Cichlids for Sale | Complete Care & Setup Guide
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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
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What Are Haps and Peacocks?
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Origins: Lake Malawi’s Open Waters and Sandy Beds
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Key Differences Between Haps and Peacocks
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Why Choose “Assorted” Packs?
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Common Species in Assorted Haps and Peacocks
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Size, Growth Rate, and Lifespan
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Ideal Tank Setup
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Water Parameters and Maintenance
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Aquascaping for Display and Comfort
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Feeding Requirements
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Aggression and Social Behavior
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Compatible Tank Mates
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Breeding Behavior
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Disease Prevention and Health
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Why These Fish Are Popular
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Where to Buy Quality Assorted Haps and Peacocks
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Why RobsAquatics.com Is the Best Choice
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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.
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Haps: Larger, more predatory, and often faster swimmers.
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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:
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Intermediate zones between rocky areas and open water
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Sandy bottoms and open swimming lanes
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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 |
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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:
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Fill your tank with a variety of colors
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Establish social dynamics among new arrivals
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Get rare or hard-to-find species at bundle pricing
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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 |
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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
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Peacocks: 4–6 inches full grown
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Haps: 6–10 inches depending on species
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Growth rate: Fast with proper food
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Lifespan: 7–10 years on average
Peacocks are typically ready to show full color by 3–5 inches.
7. Ideal Tank Setup
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Minimum size: 55 gallons for small groups
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Recommended: 75+ gallons for assorted groups
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Filtration: Strong canister or HOB filters with sponge supplements
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Substrate: Aragonite sand to maintain pH and mimic Lake Malawi
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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
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Temperature: 76–80°F
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pH: 7.8–8.6
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Hardness: 10–20 dGH
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Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: Under 30 ppm
Weekly water changes (25–40%) are critical to preserve health and color vibrancy.
9. Aquascaping for Display and Comfort
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Avoid cluttering the center—leave swimming lanes
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Rock piles and caves provide retreats
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Use aragonite sand or crushed coral to buffer pH
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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:
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Staple diet:
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High-protein pellets
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Spirulina flakes
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Krill and shrimp-based formulas
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Supplements:
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Frozen foods: brine shrimp, mysis shrimp
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Occasional bloodworms (not frequently—can cause bloating)
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Feed 2x per day, in amounts consumed within 1–2 minutes.
11. Aggression and Social Behavior
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Peacocks are more tolerant and social
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Haps may show dominance, especially males
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Overstocking helps spread aggression
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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:
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Other Haps and Peacocks
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Synodontis catfish
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Plecos (Bristlenose, Rubberlip)
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Protomelas and Copadichromis
Avoid:
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Mbuna (too aggressive)
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Small or delicate fish
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Soft-water tropicals like angelfish or tetras
13. Breeding Behavior
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Males build a spawning pit or claim a flat rock
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Females lay eggs and scoop them into their mouths
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Maternal mouthbrooding for ~3 weeks
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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:
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Bloat: From poor diet or water conditions
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Ich: Caused by stress or temp fluctuations
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Fin rot: From aggression or injury
Prevention tips:
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Stable water changes
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Quarantine new fish
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Garlic-enhanced foods to boost immunity
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Avoid overfeeding
15. Why These Fish Are Popular
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Unbeatable coloration in freshwater fish
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Active, engaging behavior
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Excellent for display tanks
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Readily breed in captivity
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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:
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Quarantined and conditioned fish
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Feeding properly on pellets
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Vibrant, male-focused packs for maximum color
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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.