Cichla temensis

Cichla temensis, the speckled peacock bass or painted tucunaré, is the largest member of the Cichla genus and one of the most spectacular freshwater fish in the world. Endemic to the Rio Negro blackwater system and adjacent drainages, it displays a dramatic dark olive to black body covered with brilliant gold spots and blotches that become more vivid with age and in breeding condition.

Adult males develop a pronounced nuchal hump and can exceed 70 cm total length, making this one of the largest cichlids kept in the aquarium hobby. C. temensis is strictly a blackwater species requiring very acidic, soft water and will quickly decline in standard community tank conditions.

This species is for expert-level specialist aquarists only, requiring enormous purpose-built housing, exceptional water management, and a serious commitment of time and resources. The reward is arguably the most impressive freshwater cichlid display animal available to the hobby.

Water: Temperature 26–30°C, pH 4.5–6.5, GH 0–4, KH 0–2; Rio Negro-style blackwater essential; heavy tannin supplementation. Tank: 1000 L absolute minimum; species-only setup; powerful external multi-stage filtration; high turnover. Feeding: Large live or frozen fish, prawns, squid; transition to large cichlid sticks with patience; feed 2–3 times per week. Breeding: Extremely rarely bred in captivity; requires a vast species tank and perfectly conditioned bonded pair. Compatibility: Strictly species-only; will consume any fish, invertebrate, or decoration small enough to swallow.