Brokopondo Peacock Bass Care Guide – Raising One of the Rarest and Most Powerful Cichlids

Introduction: The Apex Predator from Suriname

The Brokopondo Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris or closely related Cichla species) is an ultra-rare morph named after Lake Brokopondo in Suriname, where some of the largest and most vividly colored wild Peacock Bass are caught.

Known for their massive size, powerful hunting instincts, and incredible visual patterns, Brokopondo Peacock Bass are not for the faint of heart. If you’re a monster fish keeper or collector of high-end cichlids, this fish is the crown jewel of your tank.

Starting as juveniles at just a few inches, these beasts can grow to 24”+ in the right environment. This care guide shows how to raise one from young monster to show-stopping titan.

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🔍 Species Overview

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🏠 Tank Setup & Requirements

🧱 Tank Size

• Juvenile (under 6”): 75 gallons

• Subadult to adult: 220–300+ gallons

These fish are apex predators and require massive tanks as they grow. If you want long-term success, prepare for a serious setup upgrade.

🪨 Aquascape & Design

• Large driftwood, boulders, and visual breaks

• Soft sand or bare-bottom substrate

• Open swimming lanes for cruising

• Minimal décor—they knock things over easily

Oscars are playful. Brokopondos are powerful—they will move or destroy anything not firmly fixed.

🌊 Filtration & Flow

• Double canister filtration or sump systems required

• High flow and oxygenation (simulate fast-moving rivers)

• UV sterilizer optional but helpful for large bioloads

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💧 Water Parameters

Perform two 30–40% water changes per week to maintain water quality and prevent nitrate spikes. These fish are sensitive to foul water at larger sizes.

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🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Brokopondo Peacock Bass are voracious predators that will eat anything they can fit in their mouths—but that doesn’t mean junk food is acceptable.

✅ Ideal Diet:

• Frozen shrimp, tilapia, and smelt

• Live feeders (quarantined only) – as a rare treat

• Jumbo pellets (Hikari Massivore, Northfin)

• Earthworms, crickets, and mealworms (high protein)

• Whole krill and silversides for color enhancement

🕒 Feed once or twice daily. Juveniles need daily feedings. Adults can eat every other day.

Avoid fatty or dirty feeders (like goldfish)—they cause long-term health issues.

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🧠 Behavior & Aggression

• Territorial and dominant

• Will chase and kill smaller or weaker fish

• Very aware of surroundings and will interact with owners

• Can become picky eaters without food variety

Their hunting behavior is intense: they’ll lock eyes, stalk prey, and strike with explosive power.

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👫 Tank Mates

Only keep with other large, aggressive or fast-moving species in oversized aquariums.

✅ Possible Tank Mates:

• Large Datnoids

• Arowanas

• Monster Plecos

• Armored Catfish (e.g., Pseudacanthicus spp.)

• Other Cichla species of equal size

• Giant Gouramis (aggressive varieties)

❌ Avoid:

• Any fish under 5”

• Bottom dwellers that can't escape

• Peaceful community fish

• Fragile species or shrimp

Tankmates must be chosen very carefully—when in doubt, keep them solo.

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🧬 Growth Rate & Lifespan

• Juveniles grow rapidly, often gaining 1–2 inches per month

• Can hit 12” within the first year

• Full size of 24–28” typically reached by year 3 with proper care

With optimal diet and space, Brokopondo morphs grow faster than many other Peacock Bass due to genetics and feeding response.

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🌟 Educational Insight: What Makes Brokopondo Peacock Bass Unique?

The Brokopondo variant is genetically distinct, known for:

• Bolder orange or golden flanks

• Heavy barring or ocelli along the body

• Stockier, thicker heads and shoulders

• A more aggressive feeding and growth rate

They’re less common in the hobby due to remote wild sourcing or limited captive breeding efforts, making them prized among collectors.

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💲 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

When you purchase a Brokopondo Peacock Bass from RobsAquatics.com, you’re getting:

• True location-bred genetics

• Juveniles raised on high-quality diets (no junk feeders)

• Parasite-free, health-screened fish

• Overnight shipping with Live Arrival Guarantee

• Expert support for monster fish husbandry

You’re not just buying a fish—you’re investing in an aquatic predator showpiece.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Brokopondo Peacock Bass is the ultimate challenge and reward for monster fish keepers. With explosive growth, primal instincts, and jaw-dropping beauty, it’s a species that turns heads and commands respect.

Perfect for:

• Advanced aquarists

• Large predator tanks

• Species-only setups

• Showcase aquariums with custom builds

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📢 Call to Action

👉 Order your Brokopondo Peacock Bass now from RobsAquatics.com and own one of the rarest and most powerful freshwater predators in the hobby.