How difficult is it to keep Peacock cichlid?

Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.

What is the ideal temperature for Peacock cichlid?

The ideal temperature for Peacock cichlid is 24〜27℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.

How large does Peacock cichlid get?

Peacock cichlid typically reaches Up to 74 cm TL and 6.8 kg (FishBase) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What should I feed Peacock cichlid?

Peacock cichlid feeds on: Piscivore (fish, prawns, mussels). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

What is the typical price for Peacock cichlid?

The price of Peacock cichlid varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Peacock cichlid

Advanced

Cichla ocellaris

A large predatory cichlid from rivers of northeastern South America, yellow-green with dark bars and a ringed eyespot on the tail base. Recorded to 74 cm, it is also a noted game fish.

Difficulty

Advanced

Temperature

24〜27℃

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 74 cm TL and 6.8 kg (FishBase)

Diet

Piscivore (fish, prawns, mussels)

About

Cichla ocellaris is a large cichlid known as the peacock bass or butterfly peacock bass. FishBase restricts its range to the Marowijne drainage (Suriname, French Guiana) through to the Essequibo (Guyana); Cichla from other regions are usually treated as other species. Several Cichla species are traded as 'peacock bass', so check the scientific name and origin before buying. It is recorded to 74 cm TL and 6.8 kg. It lives in schools in rapids and rocky, moderately deep waters and feeds almost entirely on small fish. It reproduces year-round with a peak at the start of the rainy season. It has been introduced for sport fishing to places such as the USA and Singapore. It is often sold as a cute juvenile of about 5 cm, but it becomes a very large predator that requires an extra-large tank for life.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Size of the Peacock cichlid

The Peacock cichlid grows to Up to 74 cm TL and 6.8 kg (FishBase).

Temperature & humidity for the Peacock cichlid

The ideal temperature for the Peacock cichlid is 24〜27℃.

Basic Info

Origin

Northeastern South America (the Guianas: Suriname, French Guiana, Guyana)

Lifespan

Few reliable data

Size

Up to 74 cm TL and 6.8 kg (FishBase)

Temperature

24〜27℃

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Cichla ocellaris Bloch & Schneider, 1801

Synonyms: Acharnes speciosus Müller & Troschel, 1849

Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF · FishBase

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern

Not listed in the CITES Appendices (checked on Species+). Not designated under Japan's Invasive Alien Species Act nor on the Ministry of the Environment's invasive species list (as of September 2026). A large predatory fish reaching over 70 cm, it has established populations outside its native range after releases. Introduced populations exist in the USA and Singapore, among others. Plan for lifelong housing and never release it into the wild.

Sources: Species+ (CITES) / FishBase / Ministry of the Environment: list of invasive alien species

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.