Kelberi Peacock Bass (Cichla kelberi) Care Guide
Cichla kelberi is a predatory peacock bass endemic to the Tocantins-Araguaia basin, widely stocked elsewhere, described by Kullander and Ferreira in 2006.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Cichla kelberi, the yellow or Kelberi peacock bass, is a predatory cichlid described by Kullander and Ferreira in 2006. It has bright yellow-orange flanks and is a popular game fish in its range.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Cichla
- Scientific name: Cichla kelberi
- Described by Kullander & Ferreira, 2006
Habitat
The species is endemic to the Tocantins-Araguaia basin in Brazil. It has been stocked in lakes and reservoirs across the upper Parana basin, where peacock bass are not native. It is a benthopelagic freshwater fish of tropical waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 1500 L or more
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (79-86 °F)
- pH: 5.0-7.0
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 58.5 cm SL (FishBase)
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
FishBase reports a maximum standard length of about 58.5 cm. Given its adult size, the species requires monster-sized aquariums; the water ranges above follow the verified KB record.
Diet
Cichla kelberi is a piscivore with a high FishBase trophic level around 4.4. In captivity it requires a carnivorous diet of suitable whole or prepared meaty foods, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
Aggressive and predatory, it is suitable only with very large, robust tankmates such as big plecos in spacious systems. Small fish and most cichlids are unsuitable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2018.
Cichla kelberi Breeding Guide
Overview
Cichla kelberi is a peacock bass from Brazil. FishBase reports a maximum length of 58.5 cm SL and a maximum published weight of 4.9 kg, with maturity around 20.7 cm. Like the rest of the genus Cichla, it is a substrate-spawning, biparental cichlid whose reproduction is governed by the seasonal flood cycle.
Sexing
In Cichla, many adults, primarily males but also some females, develop a pronounced forehead (nuchal) hump shortly before and during the rainy season when spawning takes place.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Peacock bass generally spawn during the rainy season. As substrate spawners, pairs prepare a hard surface and deposit their eggs there, with reproduction tied to the seasonal flood pulse of their rivers.
Egg & Fry Care
The genus shows biparental care: one or both parents vigilantly guard the eggs and the fry school against predators, a behavior documented across Cichla species.
Common Challenges
Large adult size and predatory temperament make pair formation and brood rearing unrealistic in home aquaria; controlled reproduction is achieved in pond and aquaculture settings.