Orino Peacock Bass (8-9”)

Scientific Name:

Cichla orinocensis

Maximum Size and Lifespan:

• Size: Up to 30 inches (76 cm) in the wild; around 24–28 inches (61–71 cm) in captivity

• Lifespan: 10–15 years possibly longer with proper care

Recommended Aquarium Size:

• Minimum tank size: 250+ gallons (1135 liters) Juveniles can be raised in a 75-180 gallon 

• Must be long and wide, with strong filtration and open swimming space

Water Changes and General Care:

• Water changes: 50% weekly 

• Temperature: 78–84°F (25–29°C)

• pH range: 6.0–7.5

• Requires powerful filtration, high oxygen levels, and low nitrate levels

• Tank should be covered tightly—they are strong jumpers

• Use minimal decorations—prioritize open space

Tankmates:

• Only with similarly sized or larger fish—Peacock Bass are predatory

• Good options include:

  • Large catfish (e.g., Pimelodus, Pseudoplatystoma), Silver arowanas, larger polypterus species, Stingrays, Datnoids, Large Plecos, etc.
    

  • Other Peacock Bass species

• Avoid small or slow-moving fish—they will be eaten

Diet:

• Carnivorous predator

• Best diet includes:

  • Frozen foods: silversides, shrimp, krill, tilapia

  • Prepared foods: Hikari sinking carnivore/massivore pellets and hikari food/carnisticks

   

• Feed 1-2 times daily with 1 day to fast to avoid bloating

Overview Before Natural Environment:

The Orino Peacock Bass is a strikingly colored, powerful predator native to South America. Orinos show distinctive "three eye spots" (ocelli) along the lower body, often with a golden sheen and vibrant yellow/olive tones, especially in adults. They are intelligent, interactive fish that become more graceful with age.

Natural Environment:

• Habitat: Orinoco River Basin, Venezuela and Colombia

• Found in slow-moving tributaries, backwaters, and floodplain lakes

• Prefer warm, soft, tannin-stained waters with submerged roots and branches

• Natural prey includes smaller fish and invertebrates

Breeding:

• Rarely bred in home aquaria due to size needs

• In nature and large ponds, they form monogamous pairs

• Spawning behavior:

  • Lay eggs on flat, cleaned surfaces like rocks or driftwood

  • Both parents guard the eggs and fry aggressively

  • Clutch size: several hundred to a few thousand eggs

• Fry feed on plankton, then gradually move to small fish/invertebrates

Note: Breeding is possible in very large, controlled environments such as ponds or custom-built tanks, often by advanced or commercial breeders.