Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameCichla ocellaris

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asPeacock Bass, Tucunaré, Ocellaris Peacock Bass

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size28 in

Minimum tank size180 gallons

Water parametersTemp 76-84°F, pH 6.0-7.5, GH 4-18 dGH

Appearance

Elongated golden-green predator with three dark vertical bars and a black caudal eyespot ringed in gold; powerful torpedo-shaped body.

Difficulty and care for the Butterfly Peacock Bass

Hard

Origin and habitat

South America (Amazon and Orinoco basins)

Keeper notes

A large open-water piscivore; eats anything it can fit in its mouth and is too big and active for all but the largest aquariums. Sometimes kept in loose groups.

Log Butterfly Peacock Bass in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Butterfly Peacock Bass alongside everything else in your reef.

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