{"product_id":"marbled-ob-peacock-cichlid","title":"Marbled OB Peacock Cichlid","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Marbled OB Peacock Cichlid (\u003cem\u003eAulonocara\u003c\/em\u003e sp. OB) is a truly unique African cichlid known for its spectacular and unpredictable colouration. Also commonly called the OB Peacock, this selectively bred variety is recognised by its distinctive blotched or marbled pattern, with individuals displaying combinations of blue, orange, pink, purple, yellow, and black throughout their bodies and fins. No two fish are exactly alike, making each Marbled OB Peacock a unique addition to an African cichlid aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike naturally occurring Peacock varieties, the OB pattern has been developed through selective breeding, resulting in the highly variable colour patterns these fish are known for. As they mature, their colours and markings can continue to develop, meaning younger fish may look quite different from their eventual adult appearance. Males typically develop stronger and more elaborate colouration than females, particularly as they reach maturity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarbled OB Peacocks are generally considered one of the more manageable African cichlids, although they can still display territorial behaviour. Males may become particularly territorial when establishing a breeding site or competing for dominance, so providing plenty of space and visual barriers is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are best kept with similarly sized and similarly tempered African cichlids, particularly other Peacock Cichlids and carefully selected Haps. A well-structured aquarium containing plenty of rocks, caves and visual breaks allows fish to establish territories and retreat from one another when necessary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarbled OB Peacocks are opportunistic omnivores and readily accept a variety of aquarium foods. A high-quality African cichlid pellet or flake should form the foundation of their diet, with foods containing spirulina and other vegetable matter being particularly suitable for regular feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir diet can be varied with occasional frozen foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia. A balanced diet provides the nutrients required for healthy growth, condition and colour development. Feeding small portions once or twice daily is preferable to large meals and helps minimise excess waste and maintain good water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBreeding Behaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarbled OB Peacocks are maternal mouthbrooders and can breed readily in suitable aquarium conditions. When a male is ready to spawn, he will establish a territory and display to attract a receptive female. Spawning generally takes place over a suitable area of sand or near rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter spawning, the female collects the fertilised eggs in her mouth and carries them while they hatch and develop. She will generally carry the eggs and developing fry for approximately 3–4 weeks before releasing free-swimming young.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe female may eat very little while mouthbrooding, so maintaining excellent water quality and minimising stress during this period is important. If successfully raising fry is the goal, providing plenty of rockwork and hiding places can give newly released fry somewhere to escape from larger fish, while a separate breeding or grow-out aquarium can further improve survival rates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo encourage breeding, maintain stable alkaline water conditions, provide suitable territories and feed a varied, nutritious diet. As with other Peacock Cichlids, keeping an appropriate social structure can also help reduce unnecessary aggression within the aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ripple Effect Aquatics","offers":[{"title":"Unsexed 4-6cm","offer_id":47731156517035,"sku":null,"price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0654\/6712\/1835\/files\/Close_Up_Of_Pink_OB_Peackock_Cichlid.png?v=1788222573","url":"https:\/\/www.rippleeffectaquatics.com.au\/products\/marbled-ob-peacock-cichlid","provider":"Ripple Effect Aquatics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}