Cichla Monoculus

Datasheet

General Description

The Tucanare Peacock Bass, scientifically known as Cichla Monoculus, is a large and robust species of cichlid that is recommended for experienced fishkeepers due to its size and care requirements. Commonly found in the Amazon basin, this species can grow up to 80.0cm in size and is known for its piscivorous diet.

Aquarium Setup

To house the Tucanare Peacock Bass successfully, a minimum tank size of 1000 liters is required, providing ample swimming space. The tank should be furnished sparsely with large pieces of bogwood and sturdy plants. Given their messy nature, a robust filtration system, preferably external or sump filtration, is necessary to maintain water quality within the recommended parameters of hardness (0-15 dH), pH (6.5-7.5), and temperature (25-28°C) (see table).

Behaviour

This species is territorial and moderately aggressive, making them suitable for species groups or cohabitation with large fish such as arowana, stingrays, and other large cichlids. However, caution is advised as they may consume tankmates small enough to be considered food, requiring careful selection of companions.

Feeding and Diet

Peacock Bass are piscivorous in nature, primarily consuming meaty foods like prawn, mussel, lancefish, whitebait, and other white fish. Providing a varied diet rich in protein is essential to support their dietary needs and overall health.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Limited reports exist on breeding this species in captivity, with potential fry numbers reaching 700-800 per spawn. In the wild, they are known to spawn multiple times a year. Sexual dimorphism is evident in the Tucanare Peacock Bass, with males growing larger than females and developing a distinctive nuchal hump as they mature.

Habitat and Distribution

Native to regions including Colombia, French Guiana, Peru, and Brazil, the Tucanare Peacock Bass inhabits diverse habitats within the Amazon basin, often being recorded in rivers such as Rio Solimões, Rio Oyapock, and Rio Araguari.