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 Temensis At a Glance
Peacock Bass Temensis Tank Requirements
Will Peacock Bass Temensis fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Peacock Bass Temensis needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Peacock Bass Temensis against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Peacock Bass Temensis Water Parameters
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Peacock Bass Temensis Temperament & Compatibility
Peacock Bass Temensis Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
The fully grown adult form. Capable of reaching nearly 3 feet in length. Requires a specialized indoor pond or a massive custom aquarium. They are highly predatory and will consume any tank mate small enough to fit in their cavernous mouths.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Adult, Acu, Paca
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juvenile Peacock Bass are often sold at this size (4-6 inches). They grow explosively fast and have a voracious appetite. While they can temporarily reside in a smaller tank, an immediate and large-scale upgrade plan is mandatory.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby, Fingerling, Sub-adult
Peacock Bass Temensis Care Guide Summary
The Peacock Bass Temensis, scientifically known as Cichla temensis, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 85 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 Temensis requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 3000 litres and a tank length of at least 300 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 26°C and 30°C, with a pH range of 5.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Peacock Bass Temensis 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 Temensis Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Peacock Bass Temensis, a high 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 a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, 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 Temensis Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Peacock Bass Temensis 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 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Peacock Bass Temensis
How big does Peacock Bass Temensis get?
Peacock Bass Temensis (Cichla temensis) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 85 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Peacock Bass Temensis need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 3000 litres and a tank length of at least 300 cm are recommended for Peacock Bass Temensis. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Peacock Bass Temensis need?
Peacock Bass Temensis thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 26–30°C, a pH between 5.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Peacock Bass Temensis peaceful or aggressive?
Peacock Bass Temensis is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Peacock Bass Temensis live alone?
Yes, Peacock Bass Temensis can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Peacock Bass Temensis have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Peacock Bass Temensis benefits from sand (sifters), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Peacock Bass Temensis need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Peacock Bass Temensis 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 Temensis
These plants pair well with Peacock Bass Temensis based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Fish Similar to Peacock Bass Temensis
Peacock Bass Ocellaris
Cichla ocellaris
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 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.
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.
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
An iconic North American game fish occasionally kept by 'monster fish' enthusiasts. They are highly intelligent, robust, and voracious apex predators with cavernous mouths capable of swallowing surprisingly large prey. Because of their massive adult size, rapid growth, and heavy bioload, they are strictly suited for massive custom aquariums or indoor/outdoor ponds.
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.
Freshwater Angelfish
Pterophyllum scalare
The most iconic South American Cichlid, known for its distinct arrowhead shape and majestic fins. While domestic strains are hardy, they remain cichlids: they are semi-aggressive predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras). They form loose shoals as juveniles but pair off and become territorial as they mature. Height is more important than length for this species.