TankBud

Xingu peacock bass

Cichla melaniae

Also known as Melaniae peacock bass

FreshwaterFish

Xingu peacock bass (Cichla melaniae)
Allie_Caulfield · CC BY 2.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
77–86°F
25–30°C
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
14.2 in
36 cm
Minimum tank
317 gal
1,200 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Difficult
Breeding
Substrate spawner · Hard
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Rio Xingu, Brazil

Overview

The Xingu peacock bass is a river predator and one of the smaller peacock bass, but still a large, aggressive fish. It cruises open midwater, hunting by sight, and is a demanding fish for experienced keepers.

Did you know

The rapids where the Xingu peacock bass lives have been reshaped by the huge Belo Monte hydroelectric dam. This rapids specialist now shares its home with turbines and reservoirs.

Caring for the Xingu peacock bass

Give the Xingu peacock bass a very large tank of at least 317 gal (1,200 L). Leave open swimming space, with a few large rocks or wood as landmarks rather than clutter.

Keep the water warm, at 77 to 86°F (25 to 30°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Run strong current from a large filter or circulation pumps, and keep oxygen high. Spotless water and steady flow keep this rapids fish in good shape.

Feed meaty foods such as whole frozen fish, large pellets and prawns, and vary the diet. It will eat any fish that fits in its mouth. Keep it alone, or only with big, fast tank mates that cannot be swallowed. Even with robust species its own size, watch for territorial spats.

It is a substrate spawner that guards its young. Its size, aggression and appetite make it hard to breed in home aquaria.

Good to know

Cichla melaniae is a peacock bass in the family Cichlidae, described by Kullander and Ferreira in 2006. Adults are yellow-gold, marked with dark spotting and short bars.

In the wild

The Xingu peacock bass is found only in the lower Rio Xingu in Brazil. This is a clear, fast river of rapids and channels.

Common questions

What size tank does a Xingu peacock bass need?

A Xingu peacock bass needs at least 317 gal (1,200 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Xingu peacock bass need?

A Xingu peacock bass is comfortable at 77–86°F (25–30°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

What does a Xingu peacock bass eat?

A Xingu peacock bass eats meaty foods such as whole frozen fish, large pellets and prawns. Vary its diet.

How big does a Xingu peacock bass get?

An adult Xingu peacock bass reaches about 14.2 in (36 cm).

How does a Xingu peacock bass breed?

A Xingu peacock bass is a substrate spawner that guards its young. Its size, aggression and appetite make it hard to breed in home aquaria.

Related species