Native to the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela and Columbia, the Royal Peacock bass is a huge fish that belongs to the Cichlid species. The bass inhabits tropical clear to semi-black waters of South America.
Are you looking to make the Royal Peacock Bass a new member of your aquatic world? Or does this largemouth bass intrigue you?
Whatever the case, you will find everything you are searching for here.
Table of Contents
Royal Peacock Bass: A Quick Overview
- Scientific name- Cichla Intermedia
- Size- The junior bass grows up to 8 inches, whereas the adult size is between 19-21 inches
- Weight- A full-grown intermedia peacock bass can weigh up to 6 pounds
- Color-Golden and Olive
- Nature- Semi-aggressive
- Diet- They are carnivores and eat smaller fish, shrimp, or worms
- Lifespan- On average, between 10-15 years
- Care Level- Moderate
- Base Tank Size- Minimum 200-gallon tank
- Ph level- 5.5-6
Royal Peacock Bass: An Overview
Royal Peacock Bass is a beautiful big-mouthed fish that can entice you to own it. But let me tell you, petting this predatory species is not a beginner’s job. Find out to know more about the peacock bass.
Appearance
The Royal Peacock bass can be easily identified from the other cichlids. It owns prominent 8 to 9 black spots on its body laterally. The fish grows up to 1.8ft and weighs around 3kgs.
Behavior
This fish is active during the daytime and prefers to catch its prey in bright daylight. These ravenous species are aggressive and territorial. They can harm other equally violent fish sometimes. Therefore, picking calm and bottom-dwelling fish as tank mates would be better.
Water conditions
Ideally, soft acidic water is well suited, and a temperature near 70°F is similar to their natural tropical habitat. The South American sultry rivers are the home ground of these fishes, hence keeping the aquarium temperature stable will ensure a flourishing environment.
What to feed
The peacock bass is an avid eater, and the fry eats in small portions frequently during the day. Adults can be fed once or twice in considerable quantities. Food for these fish includes tiny chunks of seafood, small fish, and worms.
In-mates
When choosing a tank mate for the peacock bass, consider larger fishes, so they don’t swallow them. Species suitable as tankmates include Titanicus Pleco, Oscar, and Chocolate Cichlid.
Diseases
These large fish have a big appetite, generating a lot of waste. The contaminated water can make your fish ill with swim bladder disease. Hence, the water’s filtration is of utmost importance while homing a Royal Peacock bass.
Can You Pet This?
Yes, these predatory breeds have become quite popular amongst aquarists with huge tanks. You can definitely add this vibrant-colored fish to your aquarium. They will be there with you for years if provided with suitable conditions.
Can You Breed Royal Peacock Bass?
Yes, breeding Royal Peacock Bass is possible once the male and female show symptoms to mate. Once the eggs are laid, they should be kept separate, or they can be preyed upon by the parents.
Final Thoughts
This information about the Royal peacock bass will help you make an informed decision. Drop a comment if you need to know anything else.
Brian wasn’t just another Civil Engineer. His passion for Aquarium life was unknown to many until he decided to showcase it for the world. It seems like he made the right decision after all!