Cichla temensis (Xingu)

Cichla temensis, the Speckled Peacock Bass, is the largest species in the genus and can exceed 75cm in the wild. The Xingu locality form is collected from the Rio Xingu and displays particularly vivid gold speckling across a dark olive-green body, with three dark vertical blotches that fade in adults. The prominent caudal ocellus is boldly ringed in gold. This is an exceptional display fish for the most dedicated predator aquarist willing to provide a massive aquarium. Its intelligence and visual impact are unmatched among freshwater fish widely kept in captivity.

Water: 26–30°C, pH 5.0–7.0, soft to moderately hard (GH 3–14). Tank: Minimum 2000L; very large open swim space; industrial filtration; minimal décor. Feeding: Carnivore; very large prawn, whole fish, frozen smelt, and large sinking pellets; wean onto dead food early. Breeding: Rarely attempted in captivity; requires enormous territory; both parents guard aggressively. Compatibility: Solo or same-species pair in a dedicated tank; consumes anything it can overpower.