FreshwaterBrackish
Peacock cichlid
Cichla ocellaris
Cichlidae, Cichlinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 74 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 8,488 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
NativeIntroduced
Lives wild in French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname.
Introduced to Dominican Republic, Guam, Malaysia, Panama, Puerto Rico, Singapore, U.S. Virgin Islands, and United States.
More about the species
Description
Occurs in the rapids, in quiet waters with medium depth and rocky substrates. Forms schools. Feeds only on small fish, especially threadfin shad, mosquito fish, tilapia and bluegill. Not considered ideal for aquaculture due to its highly predatory habits. Reproduction occurs year-round, with a peak at the start of the rainy season. About 9,000 to 15,000 eggs per kg are released during spawning. Spawning takes place every two months on a flat stone in shallow water. The sticky eggs, measuring 1.4 mm in diameter, take 78 hours to hatch at 28°C.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Acharnes speciosus
In other languages
- Lukanani, Påfågelsabborre
- Aborrecichlide
- Isokikla, Isokirjoahven
- Butterfly peacock bass, Peacock bass, Tucunare
Articles
All articles
How to set up a South American aquarium4 min read
Soft, acidic water, subdued light, sand, roots and fallen leaves: how to set up a biotope aquarium from the Amazon and the rivers around it.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.
Ich (white spot)4 min read
The most common disease in aquarium fish. How to recognize it, why it shows up, and how to get rid of it.