This Stunning Peacock is endemic to Lake Malawi, where it occurs along the entire stretch of coast between Chizi Point and Ngara. It belongs to the Peacock group of cichlids and is found in the intermediate zone, where it feeds on sand-dwelling invertebrates.

Males of this species occur in a range of different natural colour variants, with bluer forms being found predominantly towards the north of the lake and yellower forms further south. May also be seen on sale as Flavescent Peacock.