Jariina Peacock Bass

Cichla jariina is endemic to the Rio Jarí drainage in the Brazilian state of Pará — a relatively small river system compared to the Amazon or Tapajós — and is consequently among the rarest Peacock Bass to appear in the aquarium hobby. Specimens in breeding condition display high-contrast colouration with prominent vertical barring, discrete lateral spots, and the characteristic Cichla caudal ocellus.

Water conditions of the Jarí system are moderately soft and clear, somewhat warmer than strict blackwater rivers. C. jariina should be maintained in similarly clean, moderately soft, warm conditions. Like all Cichla, it requires a very large aquarium — the 700-litre minimum represents absolute bare necessity for long-term housing of a full adult.

The rarity of this species in captivity means that every successful captive breeding represents a meaningful contribution to the hobby. Most specimens encountered are wild-caught imports. It is a fish strictly for the committed, knowledgeable large cichlid enthusiast.

Water: 25-30°C, pH 5.5-7.0, soft (1-8 dGH); clean, clear-water conditions; keep nitrates below 15 ppm. Tank: Minimum 700L; open water, large flat rocks, strong filtration and circulation. Feeding: Large carnivore pellets, frozen whole fish, prawns; high-protein diet supports colouration. Breeding: Open substrate spawner; extremely rare in captivity; undisturbed large aquarium required. Compatibility: Only with genuinely unswallowable tankmates; large catfish ideal.