Aulonocara rostratum

Remarks: Aulonocara rostratum have a unique, long snout, which they use to dig in the sand for small invertebrates. They are a sand-dwelling Aulonocara, and they inhabit the sandy shores of Lake Malawi at depths between 15-30m. Their vertical bars are much lighter in color than Peacocks that stick to the rocky reefs. Males have a tall blue body with black fins and gold egg spots. When they are in breeding dress, their fins turn jet-black and their body darkens considerably, as seen in the photos here. This species spawns in large breeding colonies, where males dig spawning craters to entice nearby females.

Scientific Name: Aulonocara rostratum

Common Name:

Max Size: 7.5"

pH: 7.5-8.4

Hardness: Hard

Temperature: 74-82°

Aggressiveness: Aggressive

Region of Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa

Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred

Diet: Flake or pellet

Compatibility: Victorian Haps, Malawi Haps, Malawi Peacocks, Synodontis

Tank Mate Options:

• Aulonocara sp. Ruby Red
• Red Empress
• Aulonocara sp. Eureka Red