Intermedia Peacock Bass

Cichla intermedia is a slender, elongated Peacock Bass from the Orinoco River system and the Venezuelan Llanos, where it inhabits open river channels and flooded savannas. It is more gracefully proportioned than stockier congeners such as C. ocellaris, and its colour pattern of faint irregular bars on a gold body with a vivid caudal ocellus gives it an elegant appearance.

Relatively speaking, C. intermedia is one of the more manageable Peacock Bass given that it reaches 'only' around 50 cm. A 600-litre aquarium is the practical minimum, and water quality must be maintained to a high standard. It adapts to captive pellet diets more readily than some species, making long-term maintenance more straightforward.

Captive breeding of C. intermedia has been achieved by dedicated keepers with access to large aquaria. The species follows the standard Cichla open-spawning pattern. Its moderate size for the genus and elegant appearance make it one of the more recommended Peacock Bass for the serious but space-limited enthusiast.

Water: 24-29°C, pH 5.5-7.2, soft to moderately hard (2-12 dGH); clean water with moderate to strong flow. Tank: Minimum 600L; open swimming lanes, flat rock or substrate spawning area, powerful filtration. Feeding: Carnivore pellets, frozen fish and prawn; adapts to pellet diet more readily than many Cichla. Breeding: Open substrate spawner; biparental care; one of the more breed-able Cichla in captivity. Compatibility: Only with fish too large to swallow; large catfish and robust cichlids.