Piquiti Peacock Bass

Cichla piquiti is native to the Araguaia and Tocantins river systems in central Brazil and is one of the more commonly available Peacock Bass in the European aquarium trade. Adults display a bright yellow-green body with three prominent dark vertical bars that persist into maturity, distinguishing them from the bar-losing adults of C. ocellaris. The caudal ocellus is vivid orange-yellow.

This species is slightly more forgiving in its water requirements than strict blackwater Cichla, reflecting the clearer, harder conditions of the Araguaia-Tocantins system. It remains a large, demanding fish that requires a very spacious aquarium and excellent filtration, but its relative adaptability and good availability make it a logical choice for the aspiring Peacock Bass keeper.

Cichla piquiti has been bred in captivity with some regularity. Pairs choose flat rock surfaces or compacted sand areas as spawning sites and defend fry with the extraordinary vigour characteristic of the genus.

Water: 24-30°C, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard (2-15 dGH); relatively adaptable for a Cichla species. Tank: Minimum 700L; open water, strong filtration, minimal decoration apart from large flat rocks. Feeding: Large sinking carnivore pellets, frozen fish, prawn, earthworm; feed to satiation every 2-3 days. Breeding: Open substrate spawner; bars intensify on breeding fish; biparental fry care is vigorous. Compatibility: Only with fish of unswalllowable size; large loricariid catfish are ideal.