Peacock Bass Ocellaris

Peacock Bass are becoming increasingly popular among experienced aquarium hobbyists, despite being more commonly associated with freshwater angling.

These predatory carnivores are native to South America, including Brazil and the Guyanas, despite the fact that some species of Peacock bass are found in tropical areas throughout the United States, where they have been introduced as game fish. These fish can also be found in parts of Singapore and Panama.

Peacock bass are known for their ferocious fighting style and hard-hitting nature. However, these magnificent fish are enormous carnivorous predators that, if not controlled, can cause havoc with native fish species in the area. These fish are omnivores who will not hesitate to prey on one another when food becomes scarce.

I. Size

• Average Adult Size: 12 – 17 inches
• Maximum Adult Size: 30 inches
• Swimming Level: Center

II. You would love the fish because…

the spots on their tail resembles the eyes on a peacock’s feathers, they are brown, yellow, and green, and their midsection is marked by dark spots or vertical lines.

Some peacock bass will develop a bump on their foreheads before and during their spawning season, and the younger ones will have prominent vertical lines. Although they lack the characteristic underslung jaw.

Peacock Bass are technically not bass, they are members of the cichlid family.

They are predators of freshwater and can grow to 20 inches in length and weigh more than 10 pounds. They will eat just about anything. They are considered to be the largest cichlid fish.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

• Recommended: 1
• Recommended Male/Female – 1:1
• Overall Aggressiveness: Peaceful
• Aggressiveness Own Species: Semi aggressive
• Aggressiveness Other Species: Peaceful

* Do not house more than 2 males

IV. Species compatibility

• Other peacock cichlids – if you keep a mixed tank, keep 1 male to every 2 females, or keep an all male tank with a mix of species.
• Plecos.
• Botia loaches.
• Peaceful Haplochromis cichlids.
• Synodontis catfish.
• African red eye tetra.
• Red tail shark.
• Rainbow shark.

V. How to feed this species?

Most of the time, captive-bred specimens do well on cut fish. However, wild-caught peacock bass typically prefer live fish. They typically begin to accept eating fleshy foods like diced seafood, tubifex worms, bloodworms, and earthworms as they adjust to life in the aquarium.

Recommended food:

• Hallofeed Freeze Dried Tubifex Worms Fish Food
• Sinking Carnivore pellets

Word for the wise

Live Plants

Live, frozen food

Filter

Heater

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