Speckled Peacock Bass (Tucunaré Açu)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Rio Negro and Orinoco basin (South America). Frequents the deep zones of slow rivers and lakes (igapó) rich in tannins and submerged forests.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Speckled Peacock Bass (Cichla temensis). The undisputed giant of the Cichlid family, as well as a formidable sport fishing predator. It can exceed 90 cm (36 inches) and weigh 13 kg (28 lbs). Incredibly slender and muscular shape, prominent and retractable lower jaw.

Social Behavior: Literally splits in two anything that tries to eat in front of it. Juveniles hunt in organized packs, adults form titanic pairs that appropriate entire sections of the river.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Possesses two spectacular color "phases" based on age/reproduction. Paca phase (sub-adult/non-reproductive): dark with dozens of rows of white spots and shaded bands. Asu phase (reproductive): bright green/golden with 3 massive vertical black bands. Large ocellus on the tail.

Aquarium Setup: INCOMPATIBLE with standard home aquariums. Requires resin/fiberglass tanks of at least 4000-5000 liters (1000-1300 gallons, 13+ feet in length). Minimalist decor (only sand and large immovable branches) to prevent them from destroying everything when darting.

Diet and Feeding: Macro-eating piscivore at the top of the food chain. As very young they accept huge pellets, but as adults the basis of the diet is whole thawed fish (tilapia, trout, sardines), mollusks and large prawns.

Water Quality: Produces tons of waste: filtration (industrial Sumps or fluidized sand filters) must be ridiculously powerful. Demands very warm (28-30°C / 82-86°F) and soft water (pH 5.5-6.5).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Coexistence strictly limited to other titanic South American cichlids (other Cichla), one-meter armored catfish (Megalodoras, Pseudoplatystoma) and giant Arowanas, provided the tank is a pool.

Aquarium Reproduction: Almost never documented due to lack of suitable facilities. In nature, both gigantic parents guard the tens of thousands of eggs laid in shallow waters, tearing apart even caimans.

Risks and Diseases: Buying a juvenile without the prospect of having a 4000-liter tank means condemning it to stunting, chronic stress (Hole in the Head disease) and finally an early and pitiful death.