Aulonocara DragonBlood
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IMPORTANT
Keeping fish in an aquarium requires an ethical and responsible approach that prioritizes animal welfare. Purchasing fish for an aquarium should never be an impulsive decision. It is essential to understand the specific needs of each species, including water quality, aquarium size, behavior, and diet. Only fish with similar water quality requirements should be kept together in the same aquarium.
A Little More Information...
Aulonocara DragonBlood is a captive-bred hybrid variety developed from Aulonocara lines associated with Lake Malawi. Selected for its red-orange coloration, this cichlid stands out through its intense appearance and generally calmer behavior than many mbuna. It is not a scientifically described species, but an aquarium fish produced through selective breeding, and its appearance may vary between strains. Relatively common in the aquarium trade, it requires hard, alkaline, well-oxygenated water, along with a sandy and rocky layout that provides both open swimming space and shelter.
General description
Aulonocara DragonBlood is a commercial Aulonocara hybrid, not a recognized species with its own taxonomic description. Aulonocara are haplochromine cichlids from Lake Malawi, valued for their coloration and their habit of searching sandy substrate for small food organisms. In aquariums, DragonBlood is generally peaceful for an African cichlid, although males may defend a territory, especially when breeding. It is best kept in a suitably sized Malawi cichlid aquarium with strong filtration and carefully selected tankmates. Its availability is relatively common among aquarium keepers.
Geographic origin and biotope
The DragonBlood name refers to a captive-bred line associated with Aulonocara from Lake Malawi, in Malawi. It therefore does not represent a fish collected from one unique natural locality. Aulonocara generally inhabit transition zones between sandy bottoms and rocky areas, where they search the substrate for food. To recreate this environment, use fine, non-abrasive sand, several stable rocks and open swimming areas. Warm, hard, alkaline and well-circulated water completes the setup.
Precise locality and local name
No precise natural locality defines this variety because it was developed through captive selection. In the trade, it is mainly known as DragonBlood, Dragon Blood Aulonocara or Red Dragon. These names describe a selected coloration rather than a geographic population. It is best to retain this commercial name in aquarium records and avoid assigning it a Malawi collection locality. This distinction helps separate the breeding line from wild Aulonocara with an identified population.
Appearance and physical characteristics
Aulonocara DragonBlood has a laterally compressed body, developed fins and a terminal mouth suited to searching through sand. Its most distinctive feature is a red, orange or red-orange coloration, sometimes enhanced by blue or metallic tones depending on the strain and age. Adult males are usually more colorful than females, while females are often more subdued. Adult size is generally around 13 to 15 cm, depending on the line and rearing conditions.
General diet
In nature, Aulonocara locate small organisms in the sand using sensory pores. In aquariums, Aulonocara DragonBlood accepts quality pellets, flakes and frozen foods formulated for Malawi cichlids. Its diet should remain varied and moderate, with a staple formulated for omnivorous cichlids with an insectivorous tendency. Feed small portions once or twice daily and remove leftovers. Avoid very fatty diets and foods intended mainly for predatory carnivorous cichlids.
Essential data
- Name of original river: Not applicable: captive-bred variety associated with Lake Malawi.
- Local name used: DragonBlood, Dragon Blood Aulonocara.
- Origin of the scientific name: Aulonocara is the genus name used for the parent lines; DragonBlood is a trade name.
- Etymology of the full name: Aulonocara comes from the Greek aulos, flute, and kara, head; DragonBlood refers to the red coloration and means dragon blood in English.
- Common or vernacular names: Aulonocara DragonBlood, Dragon Blood Peacock Cichlid.
- Family: Cichlidae.
- Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae.
- Pronunciation: aw-lo-no-KAR-ah - DRAG-un-blud.
- Discovery: Captive-bred hybrid variety; no separate scientific discovery.
- Maximum adult size: About 15 cm.
- Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; pH 7.6 to 8.6.
- Waterway appearance and surrounding vegetation: Lake habitat with rocky shores and sandy bottoms; aquatic vegetation generally sparse in rocky areas.
- Typical tankmates: Aulonocara baenschi Benga, Copadichromis borleyi Kadango, Iodotropheus sprengerae, Labidochromis caeruleus Nkhata Bay.
- Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful, territorial around a breeding site; avoid excessively aggressive tankmates.
- Water depth: Littoral and transition zones of Lake Malawi; depth varies.
- Sexual dimorphism: Males are usually more colorful; females are often duller. Differences may vary between strains.
- Bottom structure and current: Sandy bottom mixed with rocks; well-oxygenated lake water with moderate movement.
In your aquarium
Success with Aulonocara DragonBlood depends on stable, alkaline water, a layout that separates territories and compatible tankmates. Provide a spacious aquarium, strong filtration and a fine substrate that allows natural foraging behavior. Because this variety is captive-bred and not wild-collected, do not present it as a geographic wild strain, and avoid crossing it with other lines if you want to limit further mixing. A balanced diet, regular water changes and careful observation of interactions support successful long-term care.
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