Un peu plus d'informations...

Aulonocara Cape MacLear, also known as Otter Point, is a geographic form of Aulonocara associated with Lake Malawi. It is recognized by its streamlined body, well-developed fins, and the brighter colors usually displayed by mature males. Like other peacock cichlids, it searches sandy areas for small invertebrates, using sensory pores to detect prey. This variety is relatively common in the specialty aquarium trade, but it still deserves a carefully planned aquarium to support natural behavior and prevent crosses with other Aulonocara forms.

General species description

In the aquarium trade, Aulonocara Cape MacLear refers to a geographic population or strain associated with Otter Point, near Cape Maclear, in Lake Malawi. Its trade name should not be confused with a formally described species named Cape MacLear. It is a peaceful Malawi cichlid that spends much of its time above sandy areas and along the boundary between sand and rock. Mature males are usually much more colorful, while females remain subdued. Fish from the same locality should be kept together whenever possible in order to preserve strain integrity and reduce the risk of hybridization.

Geographic origin and biotope

This form comes from Lake Malawi, Malawi, in the Cape Maclear and Otter Point area. Tanzania does not correspond to this locality, which lies on the Malawian shore of the lake. The habitat includes sandy beaches, rocky rubble, and transition zones between rocks and loose substrate. The water is clear, alkaline, and well oxygenated. In an aquarium, efficient filtration, moderate circulation, and stable water conditions are more important than a densely planted layout. Aquatic plants are generally sparse in this habitat, while rocks provide most of the structure and shelter.

Precise locality and local name

The aquarium locality is Otter Point, in the Cape Maclear region, on the southwestern shore of Lake Malawi. Cape Maclear is also known locally as Chembe. Otter Point is used by aquarists and exporters to identify this population or collection line. For reliable identification, the locality name should remain associated with the fish, and different Aulonocara forms should not be mixed. This traceability is especially important when maintaining breeding groups.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is streamlined and laterally compressed, suited to movement above sandy substrate. Adult males may show metallic blue on the head and body, with yellow or orange tones in the fins and lower body. Females are usually gray-brown to silvery, with vertical bars that become more visible depending on mood. The sensory pores on the head and lateral line help detect movement in the substrate. Adult size is generally around 12 to 15 cm, with males often being the larger sex.

General diet

In nature, Aulonocara Cape MacLear searches for small invertebrates and other organisms living in or on the sand. It takes a mouthful of substrate, sorts it in the mouth, and expels the grains. In an aquarium, provide a varied diet based on quality Malawi cichlid pellets, supplemented with small frozen foods such as brine shrimp or mysis. Excessively fatty or heavily meaty diets should be avoided. Small, regular feedings support body condition and coloration better than one large meal. The priority should remain a balanced, digestible food suitable for a sand-sifting cichlid.

Essential data

• Name of the original river: Lake Malawi; lake habitat
• Local name used: Otter Point; Cape Maclear
• Origin of the scientific name: Aulonocara is the genus name used for peacock cichlids; this trade name refers to a geographic form
• Full-name etymology: Aulonocara approximately means grooved head; Cape Maclear and Otter Point refer to the locality
• Common or vernacular names: Aulonocara Cape MacLear; Otter Point; peacock cichlid
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
• Name pronunciation: aw-loh-noh-KAR-ah - cape muh-KLAIR
• Adult maximum size: About 15 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 28 °C; pH 7.6 to 8.6
• Appearance of the watercourse and surrounding vegetation: Clear lake habitat with sand, rocks, and rubble; sparse aquatic vegetation
• Typical tankmates: Labidochromis caeruleus Nkhata Bay, Cynotilapia Afra Cobue, Synodontis njassae
• Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful, but territorial during breeding; actively sifts sand
• Water depth: Rocky and sandy littoral areas; variable depth
• Sexual dimorphism: Male more colorful and often larger; female duller, with more visible vertical bars
• Bottom configuration and flow: Fine sand with rocks and rubble; still to moderately circulated water

In your aquarium

For successful care of Aulonocara Cape MacLear, provide a spacious aquarium with a broad area of fine sand, stable rocks, and visual cover. Warm, alkaline, and highly stable water is essential. Keep a ratio that favors females when housing a male, and avoid combining different geographic Aulonocara forms. Regular water changes, properly sized filtration, and moderate feeding will help maintain health and coloration. Its rarity level 1 makes it generally accessible, but the quality and traceability of the strain remain important considerations.