Monoculus Peacock Bass
Common & Latin Name: Monoculus Peacock Bass (Cichla monoculus)
Care level: Easy
Max Size: 74cm
Temp: 24-27°C
PH: 6.5 - 7.0
Approximate purchase size: 15cm
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Non-Community
The Monoculus peacock bass is a very large predatory fish originating from norther parts of South America. It giant amongst cichlids and should be kept only in the largest of aquaria with extremely powerful filtration. The tank should be sand substrate or bare bottom for hygiene reasons and furnished with rocks, wood and some of the more robust plants like java fern and anubias. They do require a lot of swimming space and any aquarium decor must be stable or fixed down as they are perfectly capable of rearranging their own habitat. Aquarium glue or milliput can be used to hold rocks together into a formation so they're harder for the fish to knock over.
Tank mates should be chosen very carefully as the peacock bass has an enormous mouth and an appetite to match. They will eat anything they can fit into their mouths. They're territorial aggressive and don't take kindly to the company of their own kind. Best kept alone or as an established breeding pair.
Food should be offered in the form of Cichlid Pellets, as well as fresh and frozen foods.
