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Aulonocara OB is a highly colorful captive-bred form associated with the Aulonocara group from Lake Malawi. Sold under the name Blueberry, this cichlid is recognized by its OB, or Orange Blotch, pattern, which combines blue, orange, and dark areas across the body and fins. Aquarists value it for its variable appearance and generally calmer behavior compared with many mbuna cichlids. Since it is a selectively bred line rather than a distinct scientific species, coloration can vary considerably from one fish to another. It remains an excellent choice for a carefully planned Malawi cichlid aquarium with stable water quality and suitable tank mates.

General species description

Aulonocara OB is not a distinct scientific species, but a commercial OB form associated with the Aulonocara group, commonly called peacocks. These Malawi cichlids use sensory pores to locate small prey in the sand and spend time close to sandy or rocky areas. The Blueberry form is valued for its pattern of blue coloration mixed with orange and black blotches, whose intensity depends on the line, sex, age, and social conditions. It is generally readily available in the aquarium trade, corresponding to a rarity level of 1, very common. It is best kept in a Malawi cichlid aquarium rather than in a conventional tropical community tank.

Geographic origin and biotope

Aulonocara originate from Lake Malawi, which is shared mainly by Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique. OB forms sold as Blueberry are produced in captivity and do not represent a precise wild geographic population. The general Aulonocara habitat includes rocky and sandy areas, usually with clear, alkaline, well-oxygenated water. The bottom consists of fine sand mixed with isolated rocks or small rock piles. Aquatic plant growth is generally limited, while the shores may have emergent plants and sparse terrestrial vegetation. Water movement is usually low to moderate, with good overall circulation in the lake environment.

Precise location and local name

A precise wild locality does not apply to this commercial form because the Blueberry name refers to a captive-bred selection rather than a geographic population. In the aquarium trade, it is sold as Aulonocara OB, Blueberry Peacock, Blueberry, or simply OB. The abbreviation OB means Orange Blotch, describing the irregular blotched pattern. The name Blueberry refers to the overall blue to purplish impression produced by some lines. To avoid mixing strains, it is best to keep the complete trade label and not attach a Malawi locality name that does not belong to this captive form.

Appearance and physical characteristics

Aulonocara OB has the relatively deep, laterally compressed body typical of Aulonocara, with a pointed head, terminal mouth, and elongated dorsal and anal fins. Adult males usually show the strongest coloration, with a blue or blue-violet base covered by irregular orange and dark blotches. The fins may display blue margins, orange areas, and egg spots on the anal fin. Females and juveniles are often duller, appearing gray-brown or pale blue, and may show only a subdued OB pattern. Coloration is not completely uniform because individual fish can express different combinations and sizes of blotches.

General diet

In the wild, Aulonocara search for small invertebrates and other organisms buried in the sand. In an aquarium, Aulonocara OB accepts quality Malawi cichlid pellets, suitable flakes, and occasional frozen foods. A diet based on balanced plant and animal ingredients helps reduce digestive problems. Small portions once or twice daily are preferable to one large meal. Very fatty foods, mammal meat, and excessive animal protein should be avoided, as should overfeeding, which can quickly reduce water quality. Feeding should be adjusted to the fish’s size, activity, and body condition.

Essential data

• Native river: Not applicable to this captive-bred form from Lake Malawi.
• Local name used: Aulonocara OB, Blueberry Peacock, Blueberry.
• Origin of the scientific name: Aulonocara is the genus name; OB is an aquarium trade designation for a color pattern, not a scientific name.
• Full-name etymology: Aulonocara comes from Greek and refers to a cheek or cavity; OB means Orange Blotch.
• Common/vernacular names: Aulonocara OB, Blueberry, Blueberry Peacock.
• Family: Cichlidae.
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae.
• Name pronunciation: aw-lo-no-KAR-ah oh-BEE
• Discovery: The genus Aulonocara was described by Charles Tate Regan in 1922; the Blueberry OB form is an aquarium selection.
• Maximum adult size: About 15 cm.
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 27 °C; pH 7.8 to 8.6.
• Appearance of the waterway and surrounding vegetation: Clear lake water, sandy and rocky bottom, limited aquatic vegetation.
• Typical tank mates: Labidochromis caeruleus Nkhata Bay, Iodotropheus sprengerae, Copadichromis borleyi Kadango, Placidochromis phenochilus Mdoka.
• Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful for a Malawi cichlid, but territorial during breeding.
• Water depth: Shallow to intermediate littoral areas.
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are larger and much more colorful; females are often gray or brown and more subdued.
• Bottom structure and flow: Fine sand, scattered rocks, and low to moderate water movement.

In your aquarium

Success with Aulonocara OB depends on a spacious aquarium, effective filtration, and stable, alkaline, well-oxygenated water. Provide a broad area of fine sand, sturdy rocks, and visual barriers to reduce chasing. A group with more females than males is preferable when keeping several males, and overly aggressive species or closely related forms should be avoided because of hybridization risks. A varied diet offered in small portions, together with regular water changes, will help maintain good health and strong coloration. Stable social conditions are especially important for displaying adult male colors.