Speckled Peacock Bass (Cichla temensis) Care Guide
Cichla temensis is the largest American cichlid, a piscivorous peacock bass from the Orinoco and Negro basins, described by Humboldt in 1821.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Cichla temensis, the speckled peacock bass, is the largest cichlid of the Americas, described by Humboldt in 1821. Non-breeding fish are dark olive with pale speckles, while breeding adults develop golden-olive hues and males may grow a bulbous forehead. It is a major game fish.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Cichla
- Scientific name: Cichla temensis
- Described by Humboldt, 1821
Habitat
The species is native to the Orinoco and Rio Negro basins and several smaller central Amazon rivers including the Uatuma, Preto da Eva, Puraquequara and Tefe, across Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Guyana. It inhabits blackwater systems, favouring sandy or rocky banks near lagoons and channels with little current.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 2500 L or more
- Temperature: 26-30 °C (79-86 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6.5
- GH: 1-6 °dGH
- Maximum size: up to 99 cm and 12.2 kg
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Wikipedia reports a maximum of about 99 cm and 12.2 kg, with the International Game Fish Association certifying a record near 12.9 kg. This is a monster-tank species; the soft, acidic ranges follow the verified KB record.
Diet
Cichla temensis is a diurnal piscivore and a potential keystone predator, swallowing prey whole. Recorded prey includes tetras, pencil fish, knifefish, catfish, arowanas and smaller cichlids, with feeding peaking between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. In captivity it requires a carnivorous diet of suitable meaty foods.
Compatibility
Aggressive and highly predatory, it is only suitable with very large, robust tankmates such as big plecos in extremely spacious systems. Small fish and most cichlids are unsuitable.
Cichla temensis Breeding Guide
Overview
Cichla temensis, the speckled peacock bass, is the largest cichlid in the Americas, with a maximum recorded length of 99 cm and a weight of 12.2 kg. It is native to the Orinoco and Rio Negro basins and smaller Amazon rivers. It is a substrate-spawning, biparental cichlid whose reproduction is tied to the seasonal flood pulse.
Sexing
Males tend to be larger than females, though the ratio varies widely (males can range from 20% to 300% of female body mass). Before and during the rainy season, breeding adults develop a pronounced nuchal hump on the forehead.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Fish begin breeding at the end of the dry season and continue into rising-water and rainy periods, typically spawning once a year in flood-pulse habitats. Maturity may begin at a total length of about 300 mm. Pairs prepare a site with hardscape such as a rock or standing tree at a depth of 1-1.5 m.
Egg & Fry Care
Female fecundity ranges from under 2000 eggs to over 10000, correlated with body mass. One or both parents vigilantly guard the brood, and the fry school is protected for about two months or until the young reach about 60 mm standard length, with the guarding parents fasting throughout this period.
Common Challenges
The combination of giant size, seasonal flood cues and intensive guarding behavior makes controlled spawning feasible only in pond or aquaculture systems, well beyond the scope of home aquaria.