Aulonocara kandeense, the blue orchid aulonacara,[3] is a species of haplochromine cichlid which is endemic to Lake Malawi where it occurs only around Kande Island, in Malawian waters.

[1] It is found in a mixed habitat where rocky areas meet softer substrates.

The breeding males are found at a mean depth of 8 metres (26 ft) They sift their food from the sand and this is made up of small invertebrates.

It detects the movements of tiny prey under the surface of the sand.

The females gather in large schools to forage, and these can count over 100 fishes, over the open sand a few metres away from any rocks.