A massive, incredibly fast-swimming predatory cichlid native to South America. Known for their striking colors and voracious appetite, they are strictly for advanced 'monster fish' keepers. They possess highly expandable mouths and will eat absolutely any fish that fits inside. Despite their predatory nature, they are generally not aggressive towards tank mates they cannot swallow.
Peacock Bass Ocellaris At a Glance
Peacock Bass Ocellaris Tank Requirements
Will Peacock Bass Ocellaris fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Peacock Bass Ocellaris needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Peacock Bass Ocellaris against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Peacock Bass Ocellaris Water Parameters
Water care products
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Peacock Bass Ocellaris Temperament & Compatibility
Peacock Bass Ocellaris Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
The fully mature form. Requires massive, custom-built aquariums or indoor ponds. Needs heavy filtration and an immense amount of swimming space. Co-habitants must be equally large and robust.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult Peacock Bass, Full Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Typical sale size in the aquarium trade. They grow exceptionally fast and have an incredibly high metabolism. A grow-out tank can be used temporarily, but immediate planning for a massive adult enclosure is required.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Peacock Bass, Fingerling, Juvenile
Peacock Bass Ocellaris Care Guide Summary
The Peacock Bass Ocellaris, scientifically known as Cichla ocellaris, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 70 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and surface zones of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Peacock Bass Ocellaris requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 1500 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 25°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Peacock Bass Ocellaris is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Peacock Bass Ocellaris Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Peacock Bass Ocellaris, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and surface zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Peacock Bass Ocellaris Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Peacock Bass Ocellaris is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and surface zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Feeding products
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Frequently Asked Questions About Peacock Bass Ocellaris
How big does Peacock Bass Ocellaris get?
Peacock Bass Ocellaris (Cichla ocellaris) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 70 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Peacock Bass Ocellaris need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 1500 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm are recommended for Peacock Bass Ocellaris. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Peacock Bass Ocellaris need?
Peacock Bass Ocellaris thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 25–29°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Peacock Bass Ocellaris peaceful or aggressive?
Peacock Bass Ocellaris is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Peacock Bass Ocellaris live alone?
Yes, Peacock Bass Ocellaris can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Peacock Bass Ocellaris have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Peacock Bass Ocellaris benefits from driftwood (digestion/hiding) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Peacock Bass Ocellaris need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Peacock Bass Ocellaris is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Plants That Suit Peacock Bass Ocellaris
These plants pair well with Peacock Bass Ocellaris based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Peacock Bass Ocellaris
Peacock Bass Orinocensis
Cichla orinocensis
A massive, highly predatory South American cichlid native to the Orinoco and Rio Negro basins. Famous for its vibrant coloration and three distinct circular rosettes (ocelli) on its sides. They grow extremely fast and require enormous aquariums with heavy filtration. They are apex predators that will consume any fish that fits into their large mouths.
Peacock Bass Temensis
Cichla temensis
The undisputed king of the Peacock Bass family and one of the largest cichlids in the world. Native to the Amazon basin, they are apex open-water predators. In the aquarium hobby, they are true 'monster fish' requiring massive, custom-built tanks or indoor ponds and exceptional filtration due to their enormous bioload and strictly piscivorous diet.
Peacock Bass Monoculus
Cichla monoculus
A massive, powerful apex predator native to the Amazon basin. Known for their striking colors and explosive feeding strikes, Peacock Bass require enormous aquariums and heavy filtration. As dedicated piscivores, they will consume any fish small enough to fit in their cavernous mouths.
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
One of the most colorful and slightly more aggressive Peacock cichlids from Lake Malawi. They are obligate sand-sifters that search for benthic invertebrates. They require hard, alkaline water and plenty of rocky caves. Like most Aulonocara, they exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism.
Trout Cichlid (Champsochromis)
Champsochromis caeruleus
A massive, fast-swimming predatory cichlid from Lake Malawi, often called the 'Malawi Trout' due to its streamlined, torpedo-like body. They are pursuit predators that require enormous tanks with a massive footprint for open swimming. Not highly aggressive for a Malawi cichlid, but their sheer size and piscivorous nature mean they will instantly consume any fish that fits in their large mouths.
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Aulonocara sp.
Endemic to Lake Malawi, Peacock Cichlids are highly sought after for the breathtaking colors of the males. They are benthivorous, using sensory pores on their jaws to hunt small invertebrates in the sand. While territorial, they are generally peaceful compared to their aggressive Mbuna cousins. They require hard, alkaline water and a sandy substrate to prevent gill damage while sifting.