Monoculus Peacock Bass (Cichla monoculus) Care Guide
Cichla monoculus is a large, widespread Amazonian peacock bass and prized game fish, described by Agassiz in 1831.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Cichla monoculus, the eyespot or monoculus peacock bass, is a large predatory cichlid described by Agassiz in 1831. It is widely distributed in the Amazon and is a prized game fish. The species has also been introduced beyond its natural range, including Florida and Hawaii.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Cichla
- Scientific name: Cichla monoculus
- Described by Agassiz, 1831
Habitat
The species is native to the Amazon basin and recorded in Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and French Guiana. It is a freshwater fish of tropical rivers and associated 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 80 cm and 9 kg
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Wikipedia reports a maximum length of about 80 cm and weight near 9 kg. This is a very large species requiring monster-sized aquariums; the water ranges above follow the verified KB record.
Diet
Cichla monoculus is a piscivore that preys on smaller fish. In captivity it requires a carnivorous diet of suitable whole or prepared meaty foods, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
Aggressive and predatory, it should only share very large tanks with robust companions such as big plecos and silver dollars. Small fish and most cichlids are unsuitable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
Cichla monoculus Breeding Guide
Overview
Cichla monoculus is a peacock bass native to the Amazon basin and widespread across Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela and French Guiana; it has also been introduced to Florida and Hawaii. It reaches 80 cm in length and about 9 kg in weight, and like all peacock bass it is a substrate-spawning, biparental cichlid.
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 occurs.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Peacock bass generally spawn during the rainy season. As substrate spawners, pairs clean and prepare a hard surface and deposit their eggs there, with reproduction tied to the seasonal flood pulse of the 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
The very large adult size and predatory temperament make pair formation and brood rearing in home aquaria unrealistic; controlled reproduction is achieved in pond and aquaculture settings.