...........................Peacock Bass
Other names:...........Peacock cichlid, Pavon Origin:......................Thoughout Central and Southern America Max size:..................30" PH:............-..............6.7-7.2 Temperature:...........75-81 F. Min tank size:..........135 gallons Food:.........................Live foods, beef heart, pellets |
The Peacock Cichlid, also called the Peacock Bass, is found from Central
America down through the Amazon waterways. Its name comes from the ocellus
at the base of the tail reminiscent of a peacock's plumage, and from
the fact that its shape and habits superficially resemble North America's
Largemouth Bass.
The most commonly available Peacock Bass (there are numerous species,
including Cichla temensis) is a yellowish-green color, with three black bars
on the side and often with red-orange pectoral, caudal,and anal fins.
In the aquarium, they can be unaggressive, interested only in fish they
can swallow whole--which is most fish, really, depending on the size of
the Peacock. They have massive mouths, and voracious appetites. It is
not easy to get a Peacock to eat anything other than live fish at first;
when tamed, they will readily eat cut fish and presumably other meaty
foods or even cut crayfish. Babies will devour
mosquito larvae with gusto.
The Peacock grows too large to breed in most aquaria (the world record
was a 28-pounder) but reportedly can be bred in outdoor ponds, where
their behavior is similar to other cichlids.
A truly classic fish, it grows quickly, and will soon recognize you as its
owner. As soon as you enter the room, the fish will churn up huge amounts
of water with that powerful tail, begging for food. Anything that falls
into the tank at such a time will be assaulted, from fingers (won't injure
you--they don't have dangerous teeth), to fish or tadpoles. The most
important things about keeping Peacocks is that you have a large tank
and lots of fish to feed them
Many thanks to Dwayne Adams for this information
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