Butterfly Peacock Bass Care Guide – Stunning Predator Fish for Large Freshwater Aquariums

Introduction: The Showstopper of South America

The Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris) is one of the most colorful and popular large cichlids in the monster fish hobby. Known for its brilliant yellow and green tones, bold black markings, and aggressive feeding behavior, this species is both beautiful and powerful.

Native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins (and introduced into Florida), the Butterfly Peacock Bass is highly sought-after for its appearance, intelligence, and compatibility with other large predators. With proper care, this fish can become the centerpiece of your display tank.

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🔍 Species Overview

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🏠 Tank Requirements

🧱 Tank Size

• Juvenile (under 6”): 75–90 gallons

• Adult (full size): 220–300+ gallons

Peacock Bass are active swimmers and fast growers. To raise them long-term, a large tank with strong filtration and open swimming room is non-negotiable.

🪨 Aquascape & Décor

• Minimalist hardscape with driftwood, large rocks, and open areas

• Avoid small décor—they will knock it over or ignore it

• Use fine sand or bare bottom for easy maintenance

• Optional live plants (only in predator-tolerant setups)

This species thrives in setups designed to replicate slow-moving rivers with space to chase prey.

🌊 Filtration & Flow

• Large canister or sump filtration system

• Target 6–10x turnover per hour

• Moderate flow with excellent oxygenation

• Optional: UV sterilizer for improved water clarity and pathogen control

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💧 Water Parameters

Water quality is critical. Butterfly Peacocks are sensitive to ammonia spikes and dirty water. Perform 2–3 water changes (30–40%) weekly in high-biomass setups.

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🍽️ Diet & Feeding

These are true carnivores with big appetites and fast metabolisms.

✅ Ideal Foods:

• Frozen/thawed tilapia fillets

• Market shrimp

• Silversides

• Carnivore pellets (Hikari Massivore, Northfin)

• Live earthworms, crickets (occasional)

• Live fish only from quarantined, disease-free sources

🕒 Feed 1–2x per day. Young fish grow rapidly and need frequent meals. Adults can be fed every 1–2 days depending on activity level.

Avoid fatty foods like goldfish or mammal meat—they cause long-term health issues.

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🧠 Behavior & Personality

• Intelligent and aware of surroundings

• Highly visual hunters that will stalk, aim, and strike

• Quickly recognize their owner

• Territorial with smaller fish but may coexist with similarly sized predators

Expect exciting feeding behaviors and interactivity—they learn routines and beg for food like Oscars.

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👫 Tank Mates

Butterfly Peacock Bass are best kept:

• Solo

• In groups of 3+ (raised together)

• With other large, fast, and aggressive fish

✅ Compatible Tank Mates:

• Silver Arowana

• Datnoids

• Bichirs

• Monster Plecos (L-number species)

• Large Oscars

• Redtail or Tiger Shovelnose Catfish

• Giant Gouramis

❌ Avoid:

• Anything under 5–6” in length

• Fragile or slow fish

• Small community fish (they’ll be eaten)

Tankmates should match them in size, aggression, and feeding style.

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🧬 Growth & Lifespan

• Growth rate: 1–2 inches per month

• Juveniles (2–3”) can reach 10–12” within the first year

• Max size: 18–24” in captivity

• Lifespan: Up to 15 years with proper care

Their fast growth rate means you’ll need to upgrade tank size quickly. Overcrowding or underfeeding will lead to stunting and stress.

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🌟 Educational Insight: Butterfly vs. Other Peacock Bass

The Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris) is:

• One of the smaller Cichla species (max 24”)

• More colorful than Temensis or Monoculus

• Easier to find and keep

• Known for being less aggressive with tank mates compared to other peacock bass species

It's a great entry point into the world of Cichla keeping without the size and aggression of species like Orinocensis or Kelberi.

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💲 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

When you buy a Butterfly Peacock Bass from RobsAquatics.com, you get:

• Ethically sourced fish raised on frozen and pellet diets

• Quarantined, parasite-free specimens

• Expert care and shipping with Live Arrival Guarantee

• Direct support from experienced monster fishkeepers

• Access to rare color morphs and hand-selected juveniles

Whether you're starting a predator tank or upgrading an existing system, Rob’s provides the healthiest specimens available online.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Butterfly Peacock Bass is a rewarding, beautiful, and active predator for advanced aquarists ready to commit to a large setup. If you’re looking for a true showpiece fish, few freshwater species deliver the same mix of color, power, and personality.

Best for:

• Monster fish setups

• Predator-only aquariums

• Aquarists upgrading from Oscars or Arowanas

• Display tanks with proper size and filtration

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👉 Order your Butterfly Peacock Bass now from RobsAquatics.com and transform your aquarium with a vibrant and powerful predator.