Description

🐟 Peacock Bass (Monoculus)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Cichla monoculus

• Family: Cichlidae

• Origin: Amazon River Basin (South America)

• Size: 20 – 24 inches (50 – 60 cm)

• Lifespan: 10 – 12 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 – 10 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Known as the most common Peacock Bass species.

• Bright greenish-yellow body with three dark vertical bars.

• Strong predator, fast swimmer, very active.

• Aggressive feeder and territorial at times.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Carnivorous

• Diet: Live feeder fish, prawns, earthworms, crickets, frozen shrimp, and high-protein pellets.

• Feeding: Once or twice daily – feed only what they eat in minutes.

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 300 gallons (larger tanks or indoor ponds are ideal).

• Filtration: Strong external/canister filter with high oxygen levels.

• Decor: Open swimming space with driftwood and rocks for hiding.

• Water Change: 30–40% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Best kept single or in pairs (groups need huge space).

• Tank Mates: Other large, strong fish – Oscars, Arowanas, Pacu, Large Catfish, Giant Gourami.

• Avoid: Small fish (they will be eaten), slow/peaceful fish.

✅ Do’s

• Provide very large tanks or ponds.

• Maintain strong filtration and aeration.

• Give protein-rich foods.

• Use a secure lid – they can jump.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t overcrowd the tank.

• Don’t keep with small or delicate fish.

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

• Don’t ignore water quality – they are sensitive.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Peacock Bass (Monoculus) is a giant predator cichlid loved for its power and beauty.

• Needs expert care, huge space, and high-protein food.

• Best suited for advanced aquarists with very large aquariums or ponds