Peacock bass are undeniably large color cichlids from South America. While these resemble bass fish they are not bass they are cichlids belonging to the genus Cichla with some 15 or so species in the genus. Some of the more popular varieties of of peacock bass cichlids are Royal Peacock Bass, Kelberi Peacock Bass, Monoculus Peacock Bass, Azul Peacock Bass, and Butterfly Peacock Bass.

 

While these are sought after as aquarium fish they are equally as popular for fisherman who fancy sport fishing. Apparently peacock bass are very powerful fish and put up quite a fight when they are on the hook. These peacock cichlids are also known as eye spot cichlids and butterfly peacock bass and are confused with African Peacock Cichlids which are no comparison in size.

 

 

You will receive captive bred Azul Peacock Bass, approximately 5" in size or larger. We cannot guarantee the sex of the fish you will receive. As far as we know, this is the first time these have been bred in captivity in the United States.

 

Peacock bass are found in South America where they are native to the Amazon River basin. They have been known to inhabit the waters of Columbia, Dominican Republic, Panama and Venezuela. This species has been recorded in the United States. In the mid 1980’s Florida introduced butterfly peacock bass and speckle peacock bass to prey on non-native invasive cichlids like Oscars, Midas cichlids and Tilapia species.

 

As you might have imagined these fish will grow large and require large tanks. They should be housed with other similar sized fish like Arowana and large pike cichlids. These cichlids are not too particular with water conditions but do thrive in warmer water between 78-82 degrees. Keep in mind these fish are carnivorous and will eat anything it can fit in their mouths. Although similarly colored adult male peacock bass develop nuchal humps making them easy to identify.

 

 

Cichla intermedia (royal peacock bass)

Cichla jariina

Cichla kelberi (kelberi peacock bass)

Cichla monoculus (monoculus peacock bass)

Cichla melaniae

Cichla mirianae

Cichla nigromaculata

Cichla ocellaris (butterfly peacock bass or butterly peacock cichlid)

Cichla orinocensis (orino or orinocensis peacock bass)

Cichla pinima

Cichla piquiti (azul peacock bass)

Cichla pleiozona

Cichla temensis (speckled peacock bass, but three-barred peacock bass while spawning)

Cichla thyrorus

Cichla vazzoleri