Care of large fish like peacock bass is a demanding job. Large tanks are required for the keeping of such large growing species. And since, cichla are predatory by nature, feeding may require live feeders.
Minimum tank size for most of the smaller specimens shoulb be no less than 6' by 2'. The larger specimens require no less than 8' by 3' to maintain an adult specimen. Filtration for these tanks has to be top notch, as they are messy eaters that produce large amounts of waste. In addition to excellent filtration, the aquarist must be committed to conducting frequent large water changes to keep these unique fish in top condition.
Feeding these fish can be tricky at times. Most of the rarer specimens are collected from the wild, so they are not used to taking prepared foods. With these specimens you will need to be able to feed live feeders, earthworms, and black worms. The use of goldfish is common, but it imperative for the health of the fish that they be weaned from these to prepared foods as soon as possible due to risk of disease. Once on prepared foods they eat voraciously. Cichla often give their keepers showers while eating.
