Peacock bass
Cichla ocellaris
FishFreshwater
- Care level
- Demanding
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Recommended tank
- 1,500 L
- Maximum size
- 60 cm
- Temperature
- 24–29 °C
- pH
- 6–7.5
- Diet
- Carnivore
Care at a glance
The peacock bass from the Amazon is a streamlined hunter with a black eye spot on the tail that recalls the eye in a peacock's feather. It is fast, powerful and within a few years grows into a fish of many tens of centimetres.
Anything that fits in its mouth is eventually eaten, so tankmates must be substantial or absent altogether. It asks for a very large tank with powerful filtration and plenty of protein-rich food; this is a species for advanced keepers with the room and budget for a show tank.
Good to know
Best not combined with
Related species
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Values are mainstream hobbyist guidance, not gospel — always watch what your own animals need.