Cichla ocellaris

Cichla ocellaris, the butterfly peacock bass, is the most widely recognised of the Cichla genus — a powerful, laterally compressed predator distributed across the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Adults display a stunning golden-yellow to bronze body interrupted by three bold dark blotches and crowned by a distinctive caudal ocellus (eye-spot) at the tail base.

Peacock bass are apex predators that require large, dedicated aquaria and a diet of feeder fish, prawns, and large meaty foods. They are not community fish and will consume any tank mate small enough to fit in their substantial mouths. In the aquarium, adults become remarkably tame and will often hand-feed.

This species is strictly for specialist large predator keepers with appropriate facilities. Water quality management in very large tanks housing messy, high-protein feeding fish requires robust multi-stage filtration and strict maintenance discipline.

Water: Temperature 24–28°C, pH 5.5–7.5, GH 2–15, KH 1–8; highly adaptable in terms of chemistry but requires pristine quality. Tank: 800 L absolute minimum for a single adult; powerful filtration rated 5–10× tank volume per hour; minimal decor. Feeding: Large feeder fish initially; wean onto raw prawns, market shrimp, and quality large cichlid sticks; feed 3–4 times per week. Breeding: Rarely bred in captivity due to space requirements; requires very large species-only setups and a bonded pair. Compatibility: Species-only tank strictly; any fish small enough to swallow will be eaten.