Un peu plus d'informations...

Aulonocara maylandi Eccles Reef, also known as Sulfurhead, is a Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlid appreciated for its sulfur-yellow coloration and bottom-searching behavior. Adult males show a bright yellow head, a bluish body, and contrasting fins, while females remain much plainer. This geographic form is associated with Eccles Reef, a rocky area of the lake. Its care requires alkaline, stable, well-oxygenated water, along with a layout made of rocks and open swimming areas. With an intermediate level of rarity in the aquarium trade, it is best suited to a carefully planned African cichlid aquarium stocked with compatible Lake Malawi species.

General species description

Aulonocara maylandi Eccles Reef belongs to the Aulonocara group, Lake Malawi cichlids often called “peacocks” in the aquarium hobby. It is recognized by its habit of searching the substrate for food, detecting small buried organisms with sensory pores. A territorial male usually defends a small breeding area, while females and juveniles are less colorful. This fish is easier to maintain in a spacious aquarium with rocky shelters and open areas. Efficient filtration and regular water changes support good health. **Stable water parameters** and a community without excessively aggressive species are essential for maintaining its coloration and reducing stress.

Geographic origin and biotope

This form comes from **Lake Malawi**, in the area associated with Eccles Reef, in East Africa. The lake is a large freshwater environment with alkaline, clear, highly mineralized water, and its rocky shores provide habitat for many cichlids. Around Eccles Reef, the natural structure is dominated by rock blocks, crevices, and sandy surfaces between the stones. Aquatic vegetation is generally limited in exposed rocky areas. The aquarium should therefore emphasize a stable mineral layout rather than dense planting. Water around **24 to 28 °C**, alkaline and well oxygenated, reflects the main conditions of this biotope.

Precise location and local name

The locality name used in the aquarium trade is **Eccles Reef**, a rocky reef in Lake Malawi. This name helps distinguish the population from other Aulonocara with different colors or patterns. The most common vernacular name is **Sulfurhead**, referring to the sulfur-yellow head of the mature male. No separate traditional local name is added here: Eccles Reef remains the main geographic identifier used by aquarists and breeders. To prevent confusion, the complete locality name should be retained, and this form should not be crossed with other closely related Aulonocara.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The adult male has an intense yellow head, sometimes extending toward the front of the body, with a blue to bluish-violet body and fins showing yellow, blue, or whitish contrasts. The **sulfur-yellow head** is the Sulfurhead’s most distinctive visual feature. The body is relatively elongated and laterally compressed, with long dorsal and anal fins. Females are usually gray-beige to brownish and display far less color; juveniles resemble females more closely. Like several Lake Malawi mouthbrooding cichlids, females may hold eggs and fry in their mouths. Maximum adult size is approximately **15 cm**.

General diet

In nature, Aulonocara maylandi Eccles Reef mainly searches for small invertebrates and other edible particles in sand and among rocks. It should not be treated as a specialized predator or as an obligate algae grazer. In the aquarium, a varied diet of **quality Lake Malawi cichlid pellets**, small frozen foods, and appropriately sized portions works well. Meals should remain moderate to prevent digestive problems and water pollution. Several small feedings can be offered instead of one large meal. Foods very high in animal fat should be limited, while consistency, variety, and excellent water quality help maintain long-term coloration.

Essential data

• Name of originating river: Eccles Reef
• Local name used: Sulfurhead
• Origin of the scientific name: Aulonocara comes from the Greek aulos, “flute,” and kara, “head”; maylandi commemorates Mayland.
• Full-name etymology: Aulonocara means “flute-shaped head” or refers to the sensory pores of the head; maylandi is a name dedicated to Mayland; Eccles Reef identifies the geographic locality.
• Common/vernacular names: Sulfurhead; Eccles Reef Aulonocara.
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
• Name pronunciation: aw-loh-noh-KAR-ah may-LAN-dee
• Discovery: Ethelwynn Trewavas, 1984.
• Maximum adult size: Approximately 15 cm.
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; pH 7.5 to 8.6.
• Waterway appearance and surrounding vegetation: Clear, rocky, mineral-rich lake habitat; limited aquatic vegetation around the reef.
• Typical tankmates: Aulonocara baenschi Benga, Copadichromis azureus Mbenji, Labidochromis caeruleus Nkhata Bay, Sciaenochromis fryeri, Cyrtocara moorii, Synodontis njassae.
• Temperament and behavior: Territorial around a breeding site; generally peaceful with suitable tankmates, but males should be monitored.
• Water depth: Rocky littoral habitat, generally shallow to intermediate depth.
• Sexual dimorphism: Male much more colorful, with a yellow head and bluish body; female gray-beige and more subdued.
• Bottom structure and flow: Rocks, sand, and crevices; low flow, influenced by lake movement.

For greater success

To keep Aulonocara maylandi Eccles Reef successfully, provide a spacious aquarium, a securely arranged rocky layout, and open areas for swimming and displaying. Maintain **warm, alkaline, highly stable water**, with filtration strong enough to handle the organic load produced by cichlids. Feed carefully and avoid tankmates that are very small, excessively timid, or overly aggressive. A group with one male and several females generally reduces pressure on any single female. Because this form has an intermediate level of rarity, it also deserves clear geographic identification and should not be hybridized unnecessarily.