Orinoco peacock bass

Cichla orinocensis

Also known as Butterfly peacock bass orinocensis

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 77–86°F (25–30°C)
pH: 5.0–6.8
Adult size: 24.4 in (62 cm)
Minimum tank: 528 gal (2,000 L)
Temperament: Aggressive
Social behavior: Solitary
Tankmates: Tankmates with caution
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Difficult
Breeding: Hard
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Orinoco and Negro basins
Family: Cichlidae

Overview

The Orinoco peacock bass is a spectacular but demanding predator that reaches over 60 centimeters, so the specs are not negotiable: a single fish needs a tank of at least 2000 liters, really an indoor pond or public-aquarium job, and it is best kept alone. It patrols the open middle water and will eat any tankmate it can swallow, so companions, if any, must be very large, fast and chosen with great care. Feed meaty foods such as whole fish, prawn and large pellets, backed by strong filtration and current. This is a long-term commitment to a fish that dwarfs almost any home aquarium.

In the wild

Cichla orinocensis comes from the Orinoco and Negro basins, hunting in warm blackwater lagoons and channels. Its natural water is soft and acidic, so aim for a temperature range of 25–30 C and a pH of 5.0–6.8. Give it a large open swimming area over sand, with big pieces of submerged wood for structure and strong filtration, since a predator this size and this active needs clean, well-moving water.

Good to know

Cichla orinocensis belongs to the cichlid family and reaches about 62 centimeters. It was described by Alexander von Humboldt in 1821, and it is set apart from other peacock bass by three separate round eyespots spaced along the flank, rather than a continuous dark band. It is a biparental substrate spawner that guards its fry, but its size makes it a hard fish to breed indoors.

Did you know

Alexander von Humboldt catalogued this fish in 1821 while exploring the Orinoco by canoe, so its scientific description is older than most of the modern nations whose anglers now prize it as a sport fish.