Kelber's peacock bass

Cichla kelberi is a peacock bass from the Amazon and Tocantins basins of Brazil, a powerful open-water predator with a golden-olive body, three dark bars and the characteristic ocellated spot on the tail. It is a large, fast-growing fish reaching around 55-60 cm, so it needs a very spacious aquarium of at least 1000 litres with a long footprint, powerful filtration and strong, well-oxygenated water. Predatory and territorial, especially as it matures, it should be kept only with robust tankmates too large to be swallowed, or in a species setup. It is strictly carnivorous: feed large pellets, whole frozen fish, prawns and earthworms, avoiding mammal meat. Provide open swimming space with a few large rocks or roots, warm water of 25-30 C and a slightly acidic to neutral pH. A spectacular showpiece for experienced keepers with the space to house it properly.