Description
The Azul peacock bass, or piquiti peacock bass, is a species of peacock bass in the genus Cichla, which is known for its impressive size and predatory nature. With its striking looks, this fish finds itself in the tanks of many aquarists as a popular item. This species of peacock bass grows to over two feet long in aquarium settings, and can even get to 30 inches in length in the wild. The azul peacock bass has a grey-blue body as an adult, with faint vertical striping, and beautiful orange and red hues on the bass's tail, contributing to its "peacock" name. As a juvenile, the azul has and olive-green and yellowish body with dark vertical stripes which fade as it matures. This carnivorous fish prefers to be kept in large tanks, and fed meaty, protein-heavy foods.
As a large, predatory fish, the azul peacock bass is best suited for experienced hobbyists with access to large tanks or outdoor ponds. This fish requires a minimum of 250 gallons as adults, as they are highly territorial and have high activity levels. They should only be kept with other large, robust fish that can withstand the aggression of the azul peacock bass. It's recommended to steer clear of keeping this fish with small or slow-moving fish, as the azul will likely think of it as food.