Butterfly Peacock Bass Care & Buying Guide (Aquarium Setup + U.S. Availability)

Introduction: The Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris) is one of the most sought-after species in the exotic freshwater hobby. Smaller and more manageable than its Temensis cousin, the Butterfly Peacock Bass still delivers intense feeding behavior, vivid coloration, and strong predator appeal—making it a perfect fit for advanced aquarists with mid-to-large setups.

In this blog post, we’ll cover:

• Butterfly Peacock Bass overview

• Aquarium setup and care tips

• Feeding and tank mate recommendations

• Growth expectations

• Where to buy Butterfly Peacock Bass online in the U.S.

Butterfly Peacock Bass Overview:

• Scientific Name: Cichla ocellaris

• Common Names: Butterfly Peacock, Peacock Bass, Ocellaris

• Native Range: Amazon Basin, introduced in Florida

• Adult Size: Up to 18–22 inches

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive predator

• Lifespan: 10+ years

Butterfly Peacock Bass are known for their beautiful gold-green coloration, black lateral stripe, and signature eyespot (ocellus) on the tail fin.

Tank Setup for Butterfly Peacock Bass:

Feature	Recommendation
Tank Size	Minimum 180 gallons for adults
Filtration	High-flow canister or sump system
Substrate	Sand or bare bottom
Decor	Driftwood, rockwork, wide open swimming areas
Tankmates	Other large aggressive fish (e.g., Oscars, Bichirs)
Lid	Heavy, escape-proof top

They are strong swimmers and need plenty of room to move. Secure lids are essential to prevent jumping.

Feeding Butterfly Peacock Bass: Peacock Bass are obligate carnivores. Butterfly varieties respond well to:

• Live or frozen tilapia

• Shrimp, krill, and silversides

• Floating carnivore pellets (trained specimens)

• Chopped earthworms or smelt

Feed once or twice daily, avoiding overfeeding to preserve water quality.

Butterfly Peacock Bass Behavior:

• Less aggressive than Temensis but still dominant

• Can be territorial during feeding or spawning

• Intelligent and responsive to human movement

• Best kept singly or with equal-sized tankmates

Growth & Size Expectations:

• Fast-growing in youth

• Can reach 18–22 inches within 18–24 months

• Require tank upgrades as they grow

Legality in the U.S.: Butterfly Peacock Bass are legal to own in all U.S. states and are even used in Florida canals as game fish. They are widely available through licensed aquarium dealers like RobsAquatics.com.

Where to Buy Butterfly Peacock Bass Online: At RobsAquatics.com, we specialize in healthy, hand-selected Butterfly Peacock Bass for advanced aquarists. Our fish are:

• Quarantined & parasite-treated

• Backed by a Live Arrival Guarantee

• Shipped overnight with temperature-controlled packaging

🛒 Shop Butterfly Peacock Bass 

Butterfly Peacock Bass FAQs:

Q: How big do Butterfly Peacock Bass get?
A: They typically reach 18–22 inches in captivity with proper care.

Q: Are Butterfly Peacock Bass aggressive?
A: They are semi-aggressive predators, best kept with similarly sized fish.

Q: What do Butterfly Peacock Bass eat?
A: Frozen tilapia, shrimp, worms, and large carnivore pellets.

Q: Can you keep more than one Butterfly Peacock Bass?
A: Yes, but you need a large tank (250+ gallons) and must manage aggression.

Conclusion: The Butterfly Peacock Bass is an ideal monster fish for hobbyists who want a powerful predator that’s slightly easier to manage than a Temensis. With the right tank, filtration, and diet, these fish can thrive and become the crown jewel of your aquarium.

Looking to bring one home?
Browse available Butterfly Peacock Bass at RobsAquatics.com and upgrade your tank with one of the most beautiful predators in the freshwater world.