24k Golden Kelberi Peacock Bass (Cichla kelberi) Care Guide | Rare Golden Predator for Sale
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24k Golden Kelberi Peacock Bass (Cichla kelberi): The Ultimate Guide to the Most Stunning Golden Predator in the Aquarium World
Introduction
Among the dazzling array of peacock bass species, one stands out for its radiant golden sheen, calm demeanor, and manageable size—the 24k Golden Kelberi Peacock Bass. Known as the crown jewel of the Cichla genus, the 24k Kelberi is a selectively bred morph of Cichla kelberi, originally from Brazil. With its vibrant coloration, intense feeding response, and smaller size compared to other peacock bass, it’s the perfect showpiece predator for freshwater monster tanks.
In this complete care guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this golden beauty—from its origin and feeding habits to tank setup and where to find true 24k Kelberi Peacock Bass for sale at RobsAquatics.com.
Table of Contents
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What Is the 24k Golden Kelberi Peacock Bass?
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Origins and Genetic Lineage
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Appearance and Coloration
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Size, Growth Rate, and Lifespan
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Behavior and Temperament
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Ideal Tank Size and Setup
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Water Parameters and Maintenance
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Feeding and Diet
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Tank Mates and Compatibility
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Handling and Acclimation
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Breeding and Spawning in Captivity
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Common Health Issues and Prevention
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Differences Between Kelberi and Other Peacock Bass
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Why 24k Kelberi Are So Rare
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Where to Buy 24k Golden Kelberi Online
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Why Choose RobsAquatics.com
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Final Thoughts
1. What Is the 24k Golden Kelberi Peacock Bass?
The 24k Golden Kelberi is a selectively bred morph of Cichla kelberi, one of the smaller and more docile members of the Cichla genus. The 24k version is known for its deep, pure golden body coloration, metallic sheen, and reduced barring, making it one of the most visually striking peacock bass available.
Unlike other species like Cichla temensis or Cichla ocellaris, Kelberi are:
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Easier to manage
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Less aggressive
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Better suited for indoor aquariums
2. Origins and Genetic Lineage
Kelberi Peacock Bass are native to:
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The Araguaia and Tocantins River basins in Brazil
However, the 24k Golden strain is a selectively bred line, developed by expert breeders over several generations. These fish are NOT wild-caught—they’re line-bred for:
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Intense yellow/gold coloration
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Reduced dark patterning
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Smaller size
True 24k Kelberi typically come from specialized breeders in Asia or South America and are rarely available in bulk.
3. Appearance and Coloration
Key Traits:
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Rich, 24-karat gold coloration
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Subtle or absent black vertical bars
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Prominent ocellus (eyespot) on the tail
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Shimmering, metallic scales
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Streamlined body and large predatory mouth
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Males may develop a nuchal hump with age
Lighting plays a huge role—under full-spectrum LEDs, their gold coloration radiates across the tank.
4. Size, Growth Rate, and Lifespan
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Average Adult Size: 14–18 inches (smaller than most Cichla)
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Growth Rate: Moderate to fast (1–1.5 inches per month when young)
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Lifespan: 10–12 years with proper care
Compared to Temensis and Orinoco Peacock Bass, Kelberi are far more manageable in size for large home aquariums.
5. Behavior and Temperament
Kelberi are often considered the most peaceful of the Cichla family.
Temperament Traits:
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Schooling behavior when young
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Less territorial than other Cichla
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Intelligent and food-driven
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Will eat from tongs or your hand
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Can coexist with similarly sized fish
They are still predators, but they’re far easier to house with tank mates than a Temensis or Azul.
6. Ideal Tank Size and Setup
Minimum Tank Size:
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Juveniles: 75–100 gallons
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Adults: 180–300 gallons
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Best Setup: 8ft x 2ft footprint minimum for adults
Tank Setup:
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Fine sand or bare-bottom
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Large open swimming areas
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Driftwood and smooth boulders for aesthetics
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Dimmable or full-spectrum lighting
They thrive in tanks designed with clean lines, strong flow, and visual simplicity.
7. Water Parameters and Maintenance
Kelberi are adaptable but need stable, clean water.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 78–84°F (25–29°C)
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pH: 6.5–7.5
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Hardness: Soft to medium
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Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrates: < 20 ppm
Filtration:
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Dual canister filters or a sump system
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Powerheads for flow and oxygenation
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UV sterilizers optional but recommended
Maintenance:
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Weekly 30–50% water changes
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Clean uneaten food to reduce bio-load
8. Feeding and Diet
As true carnivores, 24k Kelberi require a high-protein, varied diet.
Staple Foods:
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Frozen shrimp, tilapia, smelt
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Live nightcrawlers or earthworms
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High-quality carnivore pellets (Northfin, Hikari)
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Live fish (quarantined only if used sparingly)
Feeding Tips:
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Feed juveniles daily
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Feed adults every other day or in split meals
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Train them early to take non-live foods
Avoid fatty feeder fish and overfeeding—Kelberi are efficient eaters.
9. Tank Mates and Compatibility
Due to their calm nature, 24k Kelberi do well in predatory community tanks.
Compatible Tank Mates:
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Arowanas
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Bichirs
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Datnoids
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Other Cichla species
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Stingrays
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Large catfish (e.g., Lima, Tig, RTC hybrids)
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Geophagus and Severums (with caution)
Avoid:
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Small fish they can eat
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Aggressive Central American cichlids (like Dovii)
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Fin-nipping species
Always quarantine and monitor new additions carefully.
10. Handling and Acclimation
Acclimation Tips:
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Float bag for 15–20 minutes
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Drip acclimate for 45–60 minutes
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Dim lighting
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Provide immediate open swimming space
They are sensitive to ammonia spikes during shipping—buy from trusted suppliers that properly fast fish before shipping.
11. Breeding and Spawning in Captivity
Breeding Kelberi is possible but rare.
Spawning Behavior:
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Form breeding pairs after schooling phase
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Lay eggs on flat surfaces
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Males guard perimeter while females fan eggs
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Fry hatch in 3–4 days, free-swimming after a week
Requirements:
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Large, species-dedicated tank or pond
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Warm water (82–84°F)
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Water changes to simulate rainy season
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Live/frozen foods for conditioning
Fry should be fed baby brine shrimp and finely crushed pellets.
12. Common Health Issues and Prevention
Common issues include:
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Ich – from shipping stress or temp drops
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Internal parasites – from live feeders
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Skin damage – from tank décor or transport
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HITH (Hole-in-the-Head) – caused by poor water or vitamin deficiency
Prevention Tips:
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Use clean, soft décor
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Quarantine new fish
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Feed a nutrient-rich diet
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Maintain water quality
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Supplement with garlic or vitamins occasionally
13. Differences Between Kelberi and Other Peacock Bass
Species | Max Size | Temperament | Coloration | Ideal For |
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Kelberi | 14–18” | Calm, social | Gold, minimal barring | Large tanks |
Temensis | 30–36” | Aggressive | Green/gold, heavy bars | Indoor ponds |
Monoculus | 18–22” | Moderate | Subtle barring, spots | Mixed predator tanks |
Orinoco | 20–26” | Territorial | Yellow/green, bars | Predator-only setups |
The 24k Golden Kelberi stands out for beauty, calm nature, and tank-friendly size.
14. Why 24k Kelberi Are So Rare
True 24k Kelberi are:
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Line-bred selectively for multiple generations
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Not available through wild collection
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Produced by only a handful of breeders
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In high demand but low supply
Fake or low-grade Kelberi are often sold as "gold" when they’re just stressed juveniles of other species. Get yours from a trusted, specialized source.
15. Where to Buy 24k Golden Kelberi Online
Most local fish stores don’t carry true 24k Kelberi. Your best option is to shop with a retailer who:
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Works with direct, high-end suppliers
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Quarantines all arrivals
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Ships with live arrival guarantee
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Has a history of dealing with monster fish
That’s where RobsAquatics.com comes in.
16. Why Choose RobsAquatics.com
We’re proud to offer premium 24k Golden Kelberi Peacock Bass, responsibly sourced and cared for before sale.
✅ Hand-selected from elite breeders
✅ Eating frozen and prepared foods before shipping
✅ Quarantined and parasite-free
✅ Shipped with care in insulated, temp-controlled boxes
✅ Live arrival guarantee
✅ Expert advice and support after purchase
👉 Order your 24k Golden Kelberi Peacock Bass now at RobsAquatics.com before they sell out.
17. Final Thoughts
The 24k Golden Kelberi isn’t just a fish—it’s a living gold bar with personality. With manageable size, friendly temperament, and unmatched appearance, it’s perfect for freshwater predator tanks, display setups, and collectors alike.
Whether you’re upgrading your monster tank or just want something rare and visually arresting, the 24k Kelberi is the perfect crown jewel.
👉 Shop now at RobsAquatics.com to own one of the aquarium world's most stunning predators.