Description

🐟 Peacock Bass (Ocellaris)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Cichla ocellaris

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: South America (Amazon, Orinoco, Guiana rivers)

• Size: 18 – 24 inches (45 – 60 cm)

• Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

• Tank Zone: Mid to Top

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 100 – 200 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Temperature: 25 – 30°C (77 – 86°F)

• Hardness: 4 – 12 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Large, powerful predatory cichlid.

• Green-yellow body with 3 dark vertical bars and a black eyespot (ocellus) near the tail.

• Fast swimmer, very active, and needs lots of open space.

• Can become aggressive, especially when hungry.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Carnivorous predator

• Diet: Live fish, shrimp, worms, feeder fish, frozen prawns, high-protein pellets.

• Feeding: Once or twice daily – avoid overfeeding.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 300 gallons (larger is better).

• Filtration: Strong, with high oxygen levels.

• Decor: Open swimming space + driftwood/rocks for hiding.

• Water Change: 30–40% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Can be kept singly or in pairs. Groups require huge tanks.

• Tank Mates: Other large, tough fish – Oscars, Arowanas, Large Catfish, Silver Arowana, Pacu.

• Avoid: Small fish (will be eaten), slow or timid species.

✅ Do’s

• Keep in very large tanks or ponds.

• Provide strong filtration & aeration.

• Feed a high-protein diet.

• Use a tight lid – they can jump.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep with small fish (they become food).

• Don’t overcrowd the tank.

• Don’t keep in small aquariums (they outgrow fast).

• Don’t let water quality drop – they are sensitive.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Peacock Bass (Ocellaris) is a monster fish best suited for experienced keepers.

• Needs huge space, clean water, and a protein-rich diet.

• Impressive show fish for large aquariums or indoor ponds.