Mirianae Peacock Bass

Cichla mirianae is native to the upper Juruena and Teles Pires river systems in Mato Grosso state, Brazil — headwaters of the Tapajós drainage. It is characterised by vivid gold reticulated markings over a deep olive-green body, producing a pattern that resembles a mosaic tile work and is unique even among the spectacularly diverse Cichla genus. Few Peacock Bass are more visually impressive in full adult colouration.

As a headwater species from the upper Tapajós system, C. mirianae inhabits clear, warm, moderately soft water. These conditions should be replicated as precisely as possible in captivity. Water quality maintenance is critical — this is not a fish that tolerates lapses in filtration or water change schedules.

Cichla mirianae is a significant rarity in the hobby and effectively a collector fish commanding specialist-level attention and resources. Captive breeding has not been widely documented. Its stunning appearance and extreme rarity combine to make it one of the most coveted Peacock Bass among advanced cichlid enthusiasts.

Water: 25-30°C, pH 5.5-7.0, soft (1-6 dGH); pristine clear-water conditions; zero ammonia/nitrite tolerance. Tank: Minimum 700L; open aquascape, flat rocks or substrate spawning area, top-tier biological filtration. Feeding: High-protein carnivore pellets, frozen whole fish, prawn; excellent nutrition maintains gold reticulation. Breeding: Open substrate spawner; virtually undocumented in captivity; extremely large aquarium required. Compatibility: Only with fish of genuinely unswalllowable size; large loricariids recommended.