Aulonocara mamelela (Lemon Jake)

Habitat & Tank Setup

• Origin: Southern Lake Malawi, rocky reefs and caves with sandy substrates 

• Tank size: Minimum 55 gallons for a group; larger (80+ gallons) is better for territorial fish 

• Substrate: Fine sand or gravel to mimic natural habitat; avoid too much sand that can cloud water 

• Decor: Rocks, caves, and crevices for hiding and territory establishment; open swimming areas for active swimming 

• Flow: Moderate water movement; strong currents can stress them 

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76–82.5°F (24.5–28°C) 

• pH: 7.7–8.6 

• GH: 8–18 dGH (hard, alkaline water) 

• KH: Stable alkalinity to buffer pH changes.

• Water quality: Highly sensitive to poor water quality; avoid new tanks without a mature nitrogen cycle 

Diet

• Omnivorous: Accepts high-quality cichlid pellets, supplemented with live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, and spirulina 

Compatibility

• Suitable tank mates: Other Lake Malawi peacock cichlids and similarly sized, peaceful African cichlids 

• Avoid: Overly aggressive species or small fish that may be bullied 

• Breeding: Semi-aggressive; males establish territories; females are more colorful 

Lifespan

• Average: 10 years with proper care