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Peacock Bass
Cichla ocellaris
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Cichlidae
📍 Amazon & Orinoco Basins, South America
Powerful, predatory cichlid with stunning gold and green patterning. Grows large and requires a big tank. Will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Care Guide
Diet
Peacock bass are carnivorous predators requiring high-protein foods including live or frozen fish (small feeder fish, silversides), shrimp, and large carnivore pellets. Feed juveniles daily and adults 4-5 times weekly, adjusting portions to their size. Supplement occasionally with earthworms or other meaty foods to maintain coloration and health.
Behavior
Highly aggressive and territorial predators that patrol all water zones hunting for food. They are powerful swimmers with quick strikes and will consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouth. Solitary or pairs only; extremely intolerant of conspecifics and most other fish species.
Breeding
Breeding in captivity is difficult and rarely achieved in home aquariums. Pairs are highly aggressive toward each other outside spawning season and require very large tanks with multiple hiding areas. Fry are difficult to raise due to their aggressive nature and demanding live food requirements.
Tank Mates
Similar size and temperament; may work in very large tanks but aggression risk remains high
Large cichlid that may survive but constant aggression and predation risk present
Too large to be eaten; provides cleanup but may be harassed
Armored body and nocturnal behavior reduce predation risk; large enough to avoid mouth
Large, armored, and nocturnal; unlikely to be preyed upon despite size of tank mate
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects
Raise temperature to 28-30°C, perform water changes, use aquarium salt or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy
Improve water quality with frequent changes, remove sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe
Bacterial Infections
Open sores, lesions, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, color fading
Maintain pristine water conditions, perform 25-30% water changes daily, use broad-spectrum antibiotic if needed
Parasitic Infections
Excessive scratching, weight loss despite feeding, visible parasites, labored breathing
Use antiparasitic medication, increase aeration, maintain optimal water parameters, quarantine if possible
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