Cichla piquiti

Cichla piquiti, the Azure Peacock Bass, is endemic to the Tocantins and Araguaia river systems of central Brazil. It is distinguished from other Cichla species by its vivid blue-green to turquoise ground colouration and the prominent ocellus on its caudal peduncle. Like all peacock bass, it is an explosive ambush predator that uses stealth and speed to take prey. Despite its stunning appearance, it requires an enormous aquarium and cannot be housed with any fish it can swallow. A dedicated species tank or carefully matched large predator setup is essential.

Water: 25–30°C, pH 5.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 4–15). Tank: Minimum 1000L; open swimming space with large wood structures; powerful filtration essential. Feeding: Carnivore; feeder fish, large prawns, whole earthworms, and large cichlid sticks; wean onto dead food. Breeding: Pair spawns in open substrate; territory becomes extremely large; rarely bred in captivity. Compatibility: Species tank or with other very large robust fish; will eat any fish it can swallow.