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.
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.