Cichla ocellaris (Guyana Form)

Collected from clear-water rivers draining the Guiana Highlands, this locality form of Cichla ocellaris displays particularly vivid vertical barring and an especially well-defined, boldly coloured caudal ocellus. The body ground colour leans toward a rich gold with deep olive overtones, contrasting sharply with the dark bars. Like all Cichla, this is an explosive ambush predator that builds tremendous speed over short distances. It requires very large aquaria, powerful filtration, and a diet of substantial meaty foods to maintain full health and colouration.

Water: 25–30°C, pH 5.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 3–14). Tank: Minimum 1000L; generous open swimming space; robust filtration to handle heavy bioload. Feeding: Carnivore; large meaty items including whole prawns, earthworms, large pellets; wean off live food. Breeding: Open substrate spawner; male guards territory aggressively; rarely achieved in captivity. Compatibility: Solitary or mated pair; all smaller fish will be consumed.