Common Name: Snakeskin Peacock Bass
Scientific Name: Cichla pinima x Cichla intermedia
The Snakeskin Peacock Bass is a captive-bred hybrid of the pinima and intermedia peacock bass. It has the robust, elongated body, large mouth and tail eye-spot typical of peacock bass, and its pattern varies from fish to fish, as is common with hybrids. It is highly sought after by South American cichlid enthusiasts for its striking appearance and bold, interactive personality.
Habitat and Distribution:
As a captive-bred hybrid, it does not occur in the wild. Both parent species come from the Amazon basin, where peacock bass hunt in calmer stretches of river, lagoons and flooded areas near submerged structure. The water in these habitats is typically warm, soft and slightly acidic, and submerged wood, rocks and leaf litter provide cover.
Size and Lifespan:
Adults can reach 18 inches (45 cm) or more. Lifespan in captivity is not well documented for this species, but with good care it can be expected to live for many years.
Diet and Behavior:
Peacock bass are carnivorous and feed mainly on smaller fish and crustaceans in the wild. In the aquarium, offer quality carnivore pellets along with shrimp and krill. This hybrid is predatory and will eat any fish it can swallow, so keep it with robust tank mates of similar size. Feed a varied diet and remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Peacock bass are substrate spawners that form pairs, lay their eggs on a cleaned flat surface such as a rock or log, and guard the eggs and fry aggressively as a pair. Captive breeding requires a very large tank and is mostly carried out by specialist breeders.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A tank of at least 180 gallons is recommended for an adult. The tank should be long and wide with plenty of open swimming space, efficient filtration, strong water flow and a secure lid. Driftwood and smooth rocks around the edges provide cover without cluttering the swimming area. The water temperature should be kept between 76-84°F (24-29°C), with a pH of 6.0-7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. Regular partial water changes are essential to maintain water quality, and new arrivals should be acclimated slowly.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Suitable tank mates include other large, robust fish that share similar water requirements, such as other peacock bass, arowanas, large catfish, datnoids and large plecos. Avoid any fish small enough to be eaten. As with any aquarium, introduce new fish carefully and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. Peacock bass are hardy but grow quickly, eat heavily and need a large tank with excellent filtration. It is best suited to experienced aquarists who can provide the space and water quality it needs.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 76-84°F (24-29°C)
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pH: 6.0-7.5
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General Hardness (GH): 2-10 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 2-6 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Peacock bass are fast-growing, active predators that need plenty of open swimming space.
- As with most hybrids, adult size, shape and pattern vary from fish to fish.
- Most can be weaned onto pellets; feeder goldfish offer poor nutrition and can introduce disease.
The Snakeskin Peacock Bass is a bold, fast-growing peacock bass for keepers with a large predator aquarium. With the right setup and care, it will be a rewarding addition for many years.
Restrictions:
Banned or permit required in Hawaii, Maine and Nevada. Check your state's rule in our list of illegal fish by state.
