Butterfly Peacock Bass

Cichla ocellaris

Butterfly Peacock Bass is a middle swimmer.

AggressiveMiddle swimmerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 75 cm (≤ 29.5 in)
Aquarium size: 832 L or larger / ≥ 244 cm (≥ 96.1 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Aggressive
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 24–29 °C
pH: 6–7.5
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 15 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 15 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 832 L or larger / ≥ 244 cm (≥ 96.1 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 24–29 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Butterfly Peacock Bass is aggressive and needs carefully selected companions.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Butterfly Peacock Bass should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Guinea Brazil.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 832 L or larger / ≥ 244 cm (≥ 96.1 in) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Aurora Cichlid Maylandia aurora Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in) 24–27 °C Black Sharkminnow Labeo chrysophekadion Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 90 cm (≤ 35.4 in) 20–26 °C African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 8 cm (≤ 3.1 in) 22–26 °C Agassiz’s Apistogramma Apistogramma agassizii Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in) 22–29 °C Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 7 cm (≤ 2.8 in) 24–28 °C Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 22 cm (≤ 8.7 in) 26–32 °C

FAQ

How large does Butterfly Peacock Bass get?

Butterfly Peacock Bass reaches ≤ 75 cm (≤ 29.5 in). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Butterfly Peacock Bass need?

Use an aquarium of at least 832 L or larger / ≥ 244 cm (≥ 96.1 in) minimum length.

Is Butterfly Peacock Bass peaceful?

Butterfly Peacock Bass should be planned cautiously with compatible fish only, because aggressive behavior can limit companion options.

What temperature is suitable for Butterfly Peacock Bass?

Keep it between 24 to 29 °C.