Un peu plus d'informations...

Aulonocara maleri, also known as Sunshine Regal, is a Malawi cichlid appreciated for the bright yellow coloration of mature males. This geographic form is associated with Chidunga Rocks, in the Tanzanian part of the lake, where it inhabits rocky and sandy areas. Like other Aulonocara, it uses sensory pores to locate small prey in the substrate. In an aquarium, it requires warm, alkaline and very stable water, along with a layout providing shelter. Its availability is generally intermediate: it is less common than several captive-bred Aulonocara, without being an exceptional find.

General species description

Aulonocara maleri is a medium-sized haplochromine cichlid suited to aquariums dedicated to Lake Malawi species. It has a distinctive feeding method near the bottom: the fish detects small organisms buried in the substrate, takes in a mouthful of sand, and sorts it through the gills. Mature males are usually the most colorful, while females and juveniles have a more subdued appearance. The species is territorial, particularly during breeding, but is often calmer than many mbuna. A spacious, well-filtered aquarium arranged with rocky areas supports harmonious community keeping. Very aggressive species and closely related Aulonocara should be avoided, since hybridization can make a strain difficult to identify. Stable water conditions and a reasonably light stocking level are essential over time.

Geographic origin and biotope

This form comes from Lake Malawi, in the Chidunga Rocks area associated with Tanzania. It inhabits a rocky shoreline where boulders, rubble and sandy patches occur together. The water is clear, highly mineralized and alkaline, with a relatively constant tropical temperature. Rocks provide shelter, grazing surfaces and visual boundaries between territories. Aquatic vegetation is usually sparse in this type of shoreline, although algae and biofilms covering the rocks remain important parts of the habitat. The fish is generally found in the littoral zone, where sand collects between rocks. In an aquarium, this setting can be recreated with fine sand, stable rockwork and several caves. Good circulation is desirable without producing a harsh current. Recommended conditions are a temperature of 24 to 27 °C and a pH of approximately 7.6 to 8.6.

Precise locality and local name

The population described here is sold as Chidunga Yellow Regal, referring to Chidunga Rocks, a rocky site in Lake Malawi. Sunshine Regal is the most common English trade name. This geographic detail matters because Aulonocara can vary considerably between localities in body shape, coloration and availability. To preserve the identity of the strain, it is best not to mix this population with other Aulonocara in a breeding program. Fish intended for breeding should be identified by locality and kept as a separate group. In the aquarium trade, similar commercial names may sometimes refer to selectively bred lines rather than distinct geographic populations, so checking the supplier’s stated origin is worthwhile. In a Malawi community aquarium, it can be kept with calm, similarly sized species such as Labidochromis caeruleus Nkhata Bay or Copadichromis borleyi Kadango.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is elongated, laterally compressed and covered with the small scales typical of haplochromine cichlids. The adult male generally displays a bright golden yellow, sometimes with bluish tones on the head, dorsal fin or other fins depending on age and strain. The fins may have contrasting edges, while the female is usually greyish brown or silvery with more or less visible vertical markings. The protractile mouth and sensory pores around the head are adapted to detecting prey in sand. As in several Aulonocara, coloration can intensify when the male establishes a territory or courts a female. Maximum adult size is about 13 cm, with males often being larger and more colorful. Sexual dimorphism is therefore most obvious in adults: brighter male coloration, sometimes more developed fins and stronger territorial behavior. Females hold the eggs in their mouths after spawning.

General diet

In the wild, Aulonocara maleri mainly searches for small invertebrates and other organisms found in or on the sand. Its sifting behavior is an important characteristic: it takes in substrate, retains edible particles and expels sand through the gills. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet consisting of quality Malawi cichlid pellets, small frozen foods and preparations rich in marine proteins or invertebrates. Feed moderate portions to prevent obesity and water-quality problems. Very fatty foods and large amounts of mammal or fish meat should be avoided. Small portions once or twice daily suit adults; juveniles benefit from smaller, more frequent meals. The diet should remain balanced rather than excessively meaty, with some vegetable ingredients and fiber. A varied feeding program supports yellow coloration, growth and overall condition without overloading filtration.

Essential data

• Original river name: Chidunga Rocks
• Local name used: Chidunga Yellow Regal
• Origin of the scientific name: Aulonocara is a Greek-based genus name; maleri refers to the Maleri Islands in Lake Malawi.
• Full-name etymology: Aulonocara approximately means grooved head or fluted head; maleri refers to the Maleri Islands.
• Common/vernacular names: Sunshine Regal; Chidunga Yellow Regal
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
• Name pronunciation: aw-loh-noh-KAR-ah - mah-LAIR-ee
• Discovery: Ethelwynn Trewavas, 1935
• Maximum adult size: About 13 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 27 °C; pH 7.6 to 8.6
• Waterway appearance and surrounding vegetation: Clear rocky and sandy lake shore; sparse aquatic vegetation, with algae and biofilms on the rocks.
• Typical tankmates: Labidochromis caeruleus Nkhata Bay; Copadichromis borleyi Kadango; Sciaenochromis fryeri; Iodotropheus sprengerae; Cyrtocara moorii
• Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful for a Malawi cichlid, but territorial around a spawning site; sifts sand while feeding.
• Water depth: Shallow to intermediate littoral zone, generally around 5 to 20 m.
• Sexual dimorphism: Adult male yellow and more colorful; female duller; male usually more territorial.
• Bottom structure and flow: Fine sand between rocks; moderate water movement, without a strong river current.

In your aquarium

To keep Aulonocara maleri successfully, provide a spacious aquarium with efficient filtration, fine sand and rocks arranged as shelters and visual barriers. Maintain alkaline, stable water, perform regular water changes and avoid overcrowding. A group with several females per male helps distribute breeding pressure. Feed moderately and monitor body condition. Breeding in a community aquarium is possible, but a well-identified geographic strain is best kept separately to preserve its coloration and origin.