Care and Compatibility of Butterfly Peacock Bass - Butterfly Peacock Bass


Introduction

The Cichla ocellaris, commonly known as the Butterfly Peacock Bass or Yellow Peacock Bass, is a species of cichlid fish found in South America. It's a large and attractive fish that can reach considerable sizes in captivity. The name 'ocellaris' refers to the characteristic spots on its body, resembling ocelli. They have a robust, laterally compressed body with colors that vary with age and mood. They are predators, mainly feeding on live prey such as smaller fish and shrimps. In the wild, they inhabit warm and calm waters, like rivers and lakes. In captivity, they need a spacious tank with hiding spots. Due to their size and predatory nature, it's advisable to keep them with similar-sized fish and avoid smaller tankmates. They are intriguing fish for experienced hobbyists due to their requirements and unique behavior.

Behavior

The Cichla ocellaris, also known as the Butterfly Peacock Bass, is a large and active cichlid fish native to South America. It's recognized for its vibrant colors and predatory nature. In the wild, it inhabits warm and calm rivers, lakes, and lagoons. In captivity, it requires a spacious and well-equipped aquarium, as it can grow to considerable sizes. These are predator fish that feed on live prey such as smaller fish and shrimps. Due to their size and territorial behavior, it's crucial to keep them in an appropriate aquarium and avoid mixing them with smaller fish. They are captivating fish for cichlid enthusiasts and need responsible care.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism in the Butterfly Peacock Bass is minimal and difficult to distinguish. Both sexes have a similar appearance.

Reproduction

Breeding Cichla ocellaris in captivity can be challenging due to their size and territorial nature. In the wild, these fish breed during the rainy season in shallow and calm waters. To reproduce them in tanks, a large and well-conditioned setup with spawning and hiding areas is needed. The female will deposit her eggs on a flat surface, and the male will fertilize them. After hatching, the fry will be cared for by both parents. During this period, the parents can become extremely territorial and aggressive in protecting their offspring. Feeding the fry may include small live foods like brine shrimp nauplii. Breeding Butterfly Peacock Bass is a complex process that requires experience and dedication.

Aquarium Conditions

The Butterfly Peacock Bass, commonly known as the butterfly bass, requires a large, well-covered aquarium with plenty of room to swim and hide. It prefers warm and slightly alkaline water. Aquarium décor should include rocks, driftwood, and hardy plants. Maintaining water quality is crucial and providing a varied diet.

Feeding

The Cichla ocellaris is a predator fish that primarily feeds on live prey. In the wild, they hunt smaller fish, shrimps, and other aquatic organisms. In captivity, providing a varied and nutritious diet is crucial. They can be fed with small fish, shrimps, krill, and other protein-rich foods. Offering live prey or frozen foods can stimulate their hunting behavior. However, it's important not to overfeed and control portion sizes to prevent health issues. Feeding frequency can vary based on the fish's size and age.

Complexity

Caring for the Butterfly Peacock Bass can be challenging. They are predatory and aggressive fish that can harm other fish, especially if they are smaller in size. It's recommended to keep them in a species-only tank or with large, similarly tempered companions. They are carnivorous and accept a variety of foods, including small fish and live foods.


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To do an analysis more detailed about coexistence and behavior of Butterfly Peacock Bass (Butterfly Peacock Bass) use the Aquarium simulation tool, if you do this you can test different ways to combine the Butterfly Peacock Bass with other fishes giving the dimensions and space on you aquarium, on this way you can known the optimal configuration for keep the fishes that you want.

You can also find out the 19 species compatible with the Butterfly Peacock Bass (Butterfly Peacock Bass) can live together.

Note: The parameters of the water such as PH and temperature are also used to calculate the compatibility of the species.


Compatible species (19)

Compatible (11 Species)

Compatible without any restriction


Royal Pleco - Panaque nigrolineatus

Royal Pleco

Panaque nigrolineatus

Apple Snail - Pomacea bridgesii

Apple Snail

Pomacea bridgesii

Leopard Cactus Pleco - Hypancistrus Furunculus L199

Leopard Cactus Pleco

Hypancistrus Furunculus L199

Clown Pleco - Panaqolus maccus

Clown Pleco

Panaqolus maccus

Golden Royal Pleco - Sturisoma aureum

Golden Royal Pleco

Sturisoma aureum

Stick Catfish - Farlowella acus

Stick Catfish

Farlowella acus

Lemon Catfish - Hemiancistrus subviridis

Lemon Catfish

Hemiancistrus subviridis

Striped Raphael Catfish - Platydoras costatus

Striped Raphael Catfish

Platydoras costatus

Galaxy Plecostomus - Leporacanthicus sp L240

Galaxy Plecostomus

Leporacanthicus sp L240

Suckermouth catfish - Hypostomus plecostomus

Suckermouth catfish

Hypostomus plecostomus

With Reservation (7 Species)

Compatible in some cases, it depends on the nature and personality of the fish.


Butterfly Peacock Bass - Butterfly Peacock Bass

Butterfly Peacock Bass

Butterfly Peacock Bass

Anentome Helena - Anentome helena

Anentome Helena

Anentome helena

IndoPlanorbis Exustus - Planorbis planorbis

IndoPlanorbis Exustus

Planorbis planorbis

Horned Snail - Tyloperlamania sp

Horned Snail

Tyloperlamania sp

Las especies territoriales por lo general pueden convivir con especies protegidas con coraza, ya que no pueden hacerles daño por su dura piel, lo que si hay que tener en cuenta es tener un acuario con dimensiones favorables para que cada pez pueda delimitar un territorio, ya que la mayoría de peces acorazados son también peces de fondo y les gusta estar buscando lugares donde ocultarse.


Upside-Down Catfish - Synodontis nigriventris

Upside-Down Catfish

Synodontis nigriventris

Spotted Dora Catfish - Agamyxus pectinifrons

Spotted Dora Catfish

Agamyxus pectinifrons

Food competition (1 Species)

They can live together but you have to be careful since it is likely that the fastest fish will take all the food and leave nothing for their partners who are slow swimmers, so you have to make sure that everyone can eat.


Pez ventosa de borneo - Sewellia lineolata

Pez ventosa de borneo

Sewellia lineolata

Butterfly Peacock Bass

Butterfly Peacock Bass

Butterfly Peacock Bass - Butterfly Peacock Bass
  • Ph: 6 - 7.5
  • Temperature (c°): 25 - 30
  • Measures: 30 cm - 60cm
  • Aquarium Capacity:
    420 Liters - 111 Gallons
  • Alimentación: Piscivore
  • Colores: Black, Orange, Yellow
  • Comportamiento: Aggressive, Territorial
  • Habitad: American
  • Preferencias del Acuario: Rocks
  • Tamaño: Very Big
  • Taxonomía: Fish
  • Tipo de Agua: Sweet water, Tropical waters
  • Velocidad de nado o movimiento: Fast
  • Zona de Nado: Aquarium background, Swim in the middle of the aquarium