How to Raise Peacock Bass in an Aquarium

Contrary to the name, Peacock Bass are not actually bass but are part of the cichlid family. This species of fish is found in northern South America and southern Florida. Certain fish enthusiasts choose to keep them in aquariums. However, Peacock Bass are one of the more difficult fish species to maintain in an aquarium and require a knowledgeable aquarium keeper to properly care for them.

Things You'll Need

  • Sand
  • Rocks
  • Aquarium plants
  • Aquarium chemical kit
  • Aquarium chemical test kit
  • Live worms
  • Small live fish
  • Cichlid pellets
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a large aquarium. Ideally, Peacock Bass need an aquarium anywhere from 70 gallons to 125 gallons in size. Do not house your fish in a smaller tank. This species of fish can grow to more than 24 inches in length.

    • 2

      Place a thick layer of sand at the bottom of the tank. Add large, flat rocks and a few standing rocks in the sand. Place aquarium plants in the aquarium. Rocks and plants create hiding spaces for the fish.

    • 3

      Install a heavy-duty filter in the tank. Peacock Bass produce a large amount of waste. An insufficient filter system will not filter out enough waste in the water. Add a heater to the tank, as well. Follow the directions for your filter and your heater closely. Aquarium heaters and filters are set up differently from brand to brand.

    • 4

      Fill the tank with regular tap water and turn on the filter and the heater. Add the appropriate chemicals to get your tank at a 5.5 to 8 pH level. Keep your DH levels between 2 and 20. Peacock Bass can withstand a wide range of water hardness. The temperature of the water needs to be 75 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the filter and heater run. Check the levels of your chemicals until they read at the appropriate levels. Add more chemicals as needed.

    • 5

      Keep your fish in its bag. Float the bag at the top of the tank for at least two hours. Floating the bag helps the fish grow accustomed to the temperature in the fish tank. After two hours, take the fish out of the bag and put it in the tank.

    • 6

      Feed your Peacock Bass a meat-based diet that includes cichlid pellets, earthworms and smaller live fish. Feed the fish three or four times a day and slowly taper off to once a day as it gets older. Once your fish reaches adulthood, feed it once every other day.

    • 7

      Check the water frequently for ammonia. Change the water of your tank when you test the water and it shows ammonia. Ammonia can kill your fish.