XINGU PEACOCK BASS *Cichla melaniae* 2.5-3" D2405M

Diet: Predator and fish eater. Can be weaned on to frozen and prepared feeds relatively easily
Adult Size: 15″+
Recommended Tank Size: 200 gallons+
Compatibility: Territorial and aggressive towards most tankmates. Best kept with other large, aggressive fish

Preferred Water Parameters
pH:                          6.5 – 7.5
Temp:                     78-84F
Ammonia:              0ppm
Nitrite:                    0ppm
Nitrate:                  <30ppm

Once rare in the hobby, the Xingu Peacock Bass, as the name implies, originates from fast-flowing waters of the lower Rio Xingu in Brazil, where they are popular food and sport fish. They are now being bred commercially in both Asia and their native Brazil for the trade. Adult C. melaniae are a powerful, heavy-bodied fish which display a vivid, almost uniform yellow coloration with a small horizontal broken bar of black spotting. Like all peacock bass, Xingus require very large aquariums and should only be kept by experienced hobbyists. Xingu Peacock Bass are powerful predators, and will eat any fish that can fit in their large mouths. They are best kept in small groups with similarly sized cichlids although aggression and territoriality can become an issue as they reach maturity.