Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris) CareSheet

The Peacock Bass, also known as the Peacock Cichlid, Butterfly Peacock Bass, or Eye Spot Cichlid, is primarily a game fish. Peacock Bass have lengthy bodies and dorsal fins that are heavily notched. Their mouths are enormous, and their lower jaws protrude beyond their upper jaws. At the base of the caudal fin, there is a big black eye spot surrounded by a gold colored ring. Their background color is olive-green dorsally and yellow-white ventrally, with three darker bars on each side and a sequence of black dots in between.

The deep indention on the dorsal fin that separates the hard spines from the soft rays is a distinctive feature of the Peacock Bass. The dorsal, upper caudal, and pectoral fins are gray to black in color, while the anal, pelvic, and lower caudal fins are red. The second dorsal fin and the top lobe of the caudal fin have white dots. A yellow-orange stripe runs from their lips to their caudal fin in large adults. The iris has a dark crimson color.

The Peacock Bass demands a tank with a sand or gravel bottom that is at least 70 gallons. Some flat stones for possible spawning and some stones for concealment are also required. Plants may be utilized to cover the tank's borders as well as the backdrop, and the plant roots can also be used as cover. Peacock Bass have no specific water chemistry requirements, and because to their predatory nature, they should be housed in a species-only tank. As juveniles, they are only suited for a home aquarium.

Male Peacock Bass have a massive nuchal hump on their backs, and the sexes can only be distinguished during the spawning process. Although successful aquarium breeding has not been documented, in the natural, spawning occurs at water temperatures between 79 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and eggs are stuck to hard surfaces in pits in shallow waters. Both parents will care for the young for well over a month after the female lays over 10,000 eggs.

Fish and earthworms, as well as most prepared and frozen items, such as freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and ocean plankton, are all favorites of the Peacock Bass. Cichlid pellets and flake meals are also advised.

Requirements for keeping Cichla ocellaris

Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Care Level: Difficult
Tank Conditions: 75-81°F; pH 6.5-7.5
Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 2'
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Diet: Carnivore

Cichla ocellaris