Aulonocara sp. Tsano Rocks

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Aulonocara sp. Tsano Rocks is a geographic form of Aulonocara, a group of Malawi cichlids valued for their colors and their habit of searching the substrate for food. Associated with Tsano Rocks in Tanzania, this fish remains relatively uncommon in aquariums, making it appealing to aquarists interested in distinct geographic populations. Like many Malawi peacocks, it requires stable, alkaline and well-oxygenated water, along with a layout combining rocks and open areas. Thoughtful care helps preserve its coloration, body condition and natural behavior.

General species description

Aulonocara sp. Tsano Rocks is a haplochromine cichlid in the genus Aulonocara, commonly called a Malawi peacock. The aquarium or trade name refers to a geographic population rather than a formally described species with a complete binomial name. This type of fish uses the sensory pores on its head to detect small prey in the substrate. It is generally calmer than many highly territorial mbuna, although males may defend a breeding area. Its rarity level 2 corresponds to a less common form in the specialty trade and to a fish that should be maintained separately from other Aulonocara to reduce the risk of hybridization.

Geographic origin and biotope

This form is associated with Lake Malawi in the Tanzanian section, around a rocky habitat known as Tsano Rocks. The biotope combines rocky outcrops, crevices and sand or gravel patches where Aulonocara search for small invertebrates. The lake water is clear, mineral-rich and alkaline. For general aquarium care, a temperature of 24 to 27 °C and a pH around 7.6 to 8.6 are suitable, together with efficient filtration and regular water changes.

Precise location and local name

The name Tsano Rocks is the geographic reference for this population and describes a rocky shoreline area on the Tanzanian side of Lake Malawi. Tsano Rocks Peacock is the common name used in English-speaking aquarium circles, while Paon de Tsano Rocks may be used in French. The rocky locality is important for identifying the population because Aulonocara from different locations can look similar while displaying distinct color patterns. Keeping the locality name with the fish is recommended so its geographic origin remains traceable.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body is elongated, laterally compressed and typical of Aulonocara. Adult males usually develop brighter coloration than females, with blue, yellow or metallic tones that vary with age, social rank and breeding condition. The head bears the characteristic sensory pores of the genus, which help the fish detect movements from animals hidden in the substrate. The fins may show extensions and contrasting markings. An adult maximum size of about 15 cm is a cautious aquarium reference, although growth depends on sex, diet and available space.

General diet

In nature, Aulonocara sp. Tsano Rocks searches for small prey in the sand by filtering or inspecting the substrate. Its diet should therefore consist mainly of fine foods containing animal protein, without excess. Quality Malawi cichlid pellets, suitable frozen foods and small portions offered regularly are appropriate. Avoid a diet dominated by fatty foods or oversized items. A varied diet supports male coloration, growth and overall condition, while overfeeding increases the risk of digestive problems and water pollution.

Essential data

• Name of original river: Tsano Rocks
• Local name used: Tsano Rocks Peacock
• Origin of the scientific name: Aulonocara is the genus name; sp. indicates that the species is not specified in the trade name.
• Full-name etymology: Aulonocara comes from the Greek aulos, flute or tube, and kara, head; sp. is an abbreviation of species; Tsano Rocks identifies the rocky locality associated with the population.
• Common/vernacular names: Tsano Rocks Peacock, Paon de Tsano Rocks
• Family: Cichlidae
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae
• Pronunciation: aw-loh-noh-KAR-ah sp. TZA-noh Rocks
• Discovery: Geographic population known by its aquarium trade designation; collector name and year not indicated.
• Maximum adult size: About 15 cm
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 27 °C; pH 7.6 to 8.6
• Watercourse appearance and surrounding vegetation: Clear rocky and sandy lake shoreline; aquatic vegetation not dominant
• Typical tankmates: Labidochromis caeruleus Nkhata Bay, Cynotilapia Afra Cobue, Sciaenochromis fryeri, Iodotropheus sprengerae
• Temperament and behavior: Generally peaceful for a Malawi cichlid; territorial mainly during breeding
• Water depth: Rocky and sandy littoral habitat; depth varies by area
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are more colorful and often larger; females are generally duller
• Bottom structure and flow: Rocks, sand and gravel; well-mixed lake water without a marked river current

In your aquarium

To succeed with Aulonocara sp. Tsano Rocks, provide a spacious aquarium, stable alkaline water and a rocky layout offering visual barriers, while keeping an open sandy area. Maintain a group with more females than males and avoid mixing geographic Aulonocara forms with similar colors. Strong filtration, fine varied foods and regular water changes are essential. Breeding and coloration are more likely to develop when the fish has enough space and a stable hierarchy with limited disturbance.