Peacock cichlid (Cichla ocellaris)

Scientific name: Cichla ocellaris Bloch & Schneider, 1801

The Peacock cichlid (Cichla ocellaris) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–27°C (75–81°F). Native range: South America, Marowijne drainage in Suriname and French Guiana to the Essequibo drainage in Guyana.

Peacock cichlid care at a glance

Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)

Biology

Occurs in the rapids, in quiet waters with medium depth and rocky substrates. Forms schools. Feeds only on small fish, especially threadfin shad, mosquito fish, tilapia and bluegill. Not considered ideal for aquaculture due to its highly predatory habits. Reproduction occurs year-round, with a peak at the start of the rainy season. About 9,000 to 15,000 eggs per kg are released during spawning. Spawning takes place every two months on a flat stone in shallow water. The sticky eggs, measuring 1.4 mm in diameter, take 78 hours to hatch at 28?C.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Cichla ocellaris
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 74.0
Depth range: 5 m (16 ft)
Environment: Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; depth range 5 - ? m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Marowijne drainage in Suriname and French Guiana to the Essequibo drainage in Guyana.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Potential pest
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Assuming tm=1; multiple spawning per year; Fec=9,000-15,000)