Temensis Peacock Bass Care Guide – How to Raise the Largest and Most Impressive Cichlid in the Hobby

Introduction: The Apex Predator of the Freshwater Hobby

The Temensis Peacock Bass (Cichla temensis) is the largest species of Peacock Bass, capable of growing over 30 inches long and weighing over 10 pounds in the wild. Native to the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, this fish is a prized trophy in the monster fish world and a serious commitment for any aquarist.

With vivid color patterns that intensify as it matures — from bold black blotches to golden hues and bright facial stripes — the Temensis is both beautiful and deadly. If you want the ultimate centerpiece predator, this fish is it.

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🔍 Species Overview

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🏠 Ideal Tank Setup

📏 Tank Size

• Minimum: 300 gallons for juveniles

• Ideal: 600–1,000+ gallons for adults

• Best kept in indoor ponds or custom monster tanks

Temensis grow extremely fast, often gaining 1–2 inches per month with proper feeding and space.

🪨 Aquascaping

• Use large driftwood, river rocks, and open swimming lanes

• Minimal decor to avoid injury during fast movement

• Strong current mimics river flow

• Secure lids required — they are powerful jumpers

This is a fish that demands water volume, not vertical height.

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💧 Water Parameters

Use large sump filtration, high-output canisters, or multiple FX-style filters. Weekly 40–50% water changes are essential due to their bioload and feeding habits.

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🍽️ Feeding & Diet

Temensis are true carnivores with massive appetites. In the wild, they consume smaller fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.

✅ Best Diet in Captivity:

• Frozen tilapia fillets

• Cut shrimp

• Raw fish chunks

• Massivore and carnivore sticks (e.g., Hikari, Northfin)

• Live fish (only when quarantined and gut-loaded)

• Earthworms, silversides, or large krill

Feed once daily, with multiple small feedings during growth phases. Juveniles eat more frequently than adults.

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🧠 Behavior & Temperament

• Highly intelligent, curious, and aggressive

• Fast, powerful swimmers with sudden bursts of speed

• Not suited for small tankmates — they will be eaten

• Males develop a nuchal hump with age

• Can be skittish in bare tanks — decor helps calm them

Temensis often "stalk" prey or tankmates like true predators. They're visually aware and may follow people across the room.

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👫 Tank Mate Compatibility

Tankmates must be equal in size, strength, or speed. Temensis Peacock Bass will view anything smaller than their mouth as food.

✅ Suitable Tankmates (in large tanks only):

• Other Peacock Bass (Ocellaris, Orinoco, Mono)

• Large catfish (e.g., Piraiba, RTC x TSN hybrids, Goonch)

• Arowana

• Stingrays

• Giant Gourami

• Arapaima (only in public aquaria)

❌ Avoid:

• Cichlids under 10 inches

• Tetras, Barbs, or any schooling fish

• Slow bottom dwellers like Corydoras

• Ornamental shrimp or snails

Compatibility improves with juvenile cohabitation and oversized tanks.

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🧬 Growth Rate & Lifespan

• One of the fastest-growing monster cichlids

• Reaches 18" in first 12–18 months if well-fed

• Full adult size in 2–3 years

• Lives up to 15 years in captivity with good care

To support growth, ensure oxygen-rich, warm water, and a balanced protein diet.

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🧬 Breeding in Captivity

Breeding Temensis in aquariums is rare but possible.

• Form pairs from juvenile groups

• Males become territorial and aggressive during spawning

• Flat rocks or tank floor used as spawning surface

• Hundreds of eggs laid and fiercely guarded

• Fry require separation and protein-rich micro-foods

Successful breeding is most common in pond environments or enormous custom setups.

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🌟 Unique Highlights

• The largest Peacock Bass species in the hobby

• Displays color transitions from juvenile to adult

• Unmatched speed, power, and presence

• Often regarded as the "apex predator" of freshwater tanks

• A true trophy fish for advanced aquarists

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💲 Why Buy Temensis Peacock Bass from RobsAquatics.com?

• Quarantined and preconditioned to frozen food

• Fast-growing, healthy juveniles with vivid patterns

• Professionally packed with oxygen, heat packs, and insulation

• Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee

• Expert care support for monster setups

Rob’s Aquatics is trusted by serious monster fish keepers for quality, service, and rare species.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Temensis Peacock Bass isn’t just a fish — it’s a statement. For aquarists with the space and experience to match, this species becomes the crown jewel of any monster tank or indoor river setup.

Perfect for:

• Monster predator tanks

• Public aquaria and showcases

• Advanced freshwater hobbyists

• Dedicated fish rooms and indoor ponds

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👉 Order your Temensis Peacock Bass now from RobsAquatics.com and experience the unmatched beauty and power of the largest Peacock Bass in the world.