**Fogo Peacock Bass** (*Cichla marinae*) is a striking and popular species of peacock bass known for its vibrant colors and aggressive behavior. Here’s an in-depth look at this captivating fish:
1. **Habitat**: Fogo Peacock Bass is native to the river systems in the Orinoco Basin in South America, particularly in Venezuela and Colombia. They thrive in slow-moving or still waters, such as lagoons, floodplain lakes, and river channels with ample vegetation and submerged structures.
2. **Appearance**: This species is renowned for its stunning appearance. They have a yellow to greenish body with prominent black vertical bars and a distinctive black spot, or ocellus, on the caudal fin, which resembles an eye. The fins often exhibit a vibrant mix of red, orange, and blue hues, especially during the breeding season. Their large mouths and robust bodies make them formidable predators.
3. **Size**: Fogo Peacock Bass can grow quite large, with adults typically reaching lengths of 50-60 centimeters (20-24 inches) and weighing up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds) or more in the wild. In captivity, they may grow slightly smaller, but still impressive.
4. **Diet**: As carnivores, their diet consists mainly of other fish, but they will also consume crustaceans and other aquatic prey. In the wild, they are known for their aggressive hunting style, often ambushing prey with sudden bursts of speed.
5. **Behavior**: Fogo Peacock Bass are territorial and highly aggressive, especially during the breeding season. They are known for their powerful strikes and can be quite challenging to catch for anglers. In aquariums, they require large tanks due to their size and aggressive nature.
6. **Reproduction**: During the breeding season, males become more colorful and territorial. They prepare nesting sites on flat surfaces, where the female lays eggs. Both parents guard the eggs and the fry aggressively until the young are capable of fending for themselves. This parental care helps ensure a higher survival rate for the offspring.
7. **Aquarium Care**: Keeping Fogo Peacock Bass in captivity requires a very large tank, ideally over 500 gallons, to accommodate their size and swimming needs. The tank should have plenty of hiding spots
