Blue Peacock Bass (Cichla piquiti) Care Guide
Cichla piquiti is a predatory peacock bass endemic to the Tocantins-Araguaia basin, with five dark vertical bars, described by Kullander and Ferreira in 2006.
Overview
Cichla piquiti, the blue peacock bass or tucunare acu, is a predatory cichlid described by Kullander and Ferreira in 2006. Adults are recognised by five wide dark vertical bars below the dorsal fin.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Cichla
- Scientific name: Cichla piquiti
- Described by Kullander & Ferreira, 2006
Habitat
The species is endemic to the Tocantins-Araguaia basin in Brazil, occurring naturally in the drainage of the Tocantins and Araguaia rivers. It has been introduced into the upper Parana system, including the Paranaiba River, where peacock bass are not native. It is a benthopelagic freshwater fish of tropical waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 1800 L or more
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (79-86 °F)
- pH: 5.0-7.0
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 48 cm TL (males); 38.5 cm (females) per FishBase
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
FishBase reports a maximum total length of about 48 cm in males and 38.5 cm in females. The KB record lists a larger upper range to about 75 cm; either way, this is a species for very large aquariums.
Diet
Cichla piquiti is a piscivore with a high FishBase trophic level around 4.2. 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.