Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: No

General Description: The Peacock Bass is found throughout northern South America, however the majority if not all specimens available within the aquarium trade are commercially produced. Some populations have also been intentionally introduced into the United States and Singapore because the Peacock bass is considered a sport fish. Peacock bass are most often sold as juveniles at approximately 2″ to 3″, however this species will mature into a very powerful and aggressive tank mate growing up to lengths of 30″. While Peacock bass are a very resilient and adaptable species, they are best left admired in the wild, public aquaria or to the few extremely dedicated aquarists that have the facilities to house an adult because they are a long term commitment. If interested in keeping a group, it is best to acquire all individuals at the same time and keep them relatively the same size. Peacock bass are predatory, and any tank mate that looks like a suitable meal will become one. At the sizes Peacock bass are typically offered, sexing is rather impossible. As a Peacock bass matures, males will develop a nuchal hump on their forehead.

Diet Requirements: Peacock bass are piscivores in nature but they do not require live fish in the aquarium to thrive. In fact, we discourage feeding live fish because they are often of little nutritional value and increase the risk of introducing disease. A diet made up of various high quality proteins are ideal, mainly frozen chunks of bloodworm, shrimp, mussel, silverside fish, prawn, and other white fish. Options will vary depending on the size of your specimen(s). Peacock bass may accept sinking pellet foods, but this should not make up the majority of their diet. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 125 to 150 gallon aquarium is ideal for a small group of juvenile Peacock bass. The realistic long term accommodations for juvenile Peacock bass to mature into adults requires a phenomenal volume of water of at least a thousand gallons, and an aquarium footprint of 10 feet by 3 feet to allow for natural movement. This volume and size would increase depending on the number of total individuals and the needs of other tank mates. Peacock bass should not be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters favorable (Nitrates < 30 ppm). Poor water quality will result in your Peacock bass with a greater likelihood of developing hole in the head disease, which is permanent. Equipping the aquarium with several canister filters, or a sump system, is also needed to maintain a healthier environment for this species and combat the amount of waste it produces. A Peacock bass will be relatively indifferent to decor, especially as an adult, but some stacked rocks to create caves for younger specimens to hide, or driftwood, may add some pizzazz to the aquarium. A lot of unobstructed and open swimming space should be of priority, and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. Given the predatory and somewhat territorial nature of Peacock bass, only other very robust and large growing species with similar temperament should be considered. Tank mates introduced into an aquarium with Peacock bass should be equal to their size or slightly larger to avoid being eaten. Recommended water conditions, 76-78° F, KH 0-15, pH 6.5-7.5.

Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2” to 1-3/4”, Medium: 2” to 3”, Large: 4” to 6”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.