Yellow / Golden Fogo Peacock Bass (Cichla marinae)

Yellow / Golden Fogo Peacock Bass — Cichla marinae
The blazing river predator

The Golden Fogo Peacock Bass is one of the brightest members of the Cichla family. A rich yellow-gold body layered with bold vertical barring and fiery orange fins gives this fish a “burning” appearance — the reason hobbyists call it Fogo (“fire”). As it matures the colors intensify dramatically, turning from pale gold into deep molten yellow with high contrast markings that command attention from across the room.

Native to flowing South American river systems, Cichla marinae is an active pursuit predator. Unlike ambush hunters, it tracks prey visually and explodes forward with incredible acceleration. They are highly aware fish that quickly recognize their keeper, often following movement outside the tank and anticipating feeding time long before food enters the water.

Reaching 18–24+ inches in proper aquariums, the Golden Fogo becomes a dominant centerpiece — powerful yet intelligent, establishing hierarchy without constant chaos when housed correctly.

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Aquarium Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 240 gallons (8 ft length strongly recommended)

• Substrate: Sand or bare bottom

• Flow: Moderate to strong

• Décor: Open swimming space with some structure along edges

• Lighting: Moderate (enhances gold coloration)

• Cover: Tight lid required — powerful jumper

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Tank Mates

Compatible with large, confident fish:

• Arowana

• Large catfish

• Datnoids

• Bichirs

• Rays

• Other similarly sized peacock bass (space dependent)

Avoid small fish — they will be eaten.

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Water Parameters

• Temperature: 76–84°F (24–29°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to medium

• Filtration: Very strong (heavy feeding species)

• Oxygen: High dissolved oxygen required

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Diet

Carnivorous predator:

• Fish fillet

• Shrimp / prawn

• Insects

• Quality carnivore pellets (once trained)