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About Cichlids
Morphology: Although including a range of wildly
differing species, cichlids share several unique physical characteristics.
All have only one nostril on each side of the head, not two, and they have
both a spiny, and a soft, dorsal fin.
Behavior: Cichlids show some of the most complex
and highly evolved behavior patterns of all fishes. Because of the
family's diversity, it is difficult to ascribe characteristics to all membersof
the group. However, many generalities effectively apply to
the majority of species. Cichlids are among the intellectuals of
fishes. They are highly intelligent and it has been shown by scientists
that cichlids can learn. (The way they sometimes tear up my gear,
I'd swear they knew who I was and had passed the word among themselves.)
Cichlids are generally very aggressive and pugnacious. They are often
extremely territorial.
Reproduction: One generalization that can
be made about New World cichlids is that they are all substrate spawners.
Although some species may guard eggs or young in their mouths at some time
during the brooding cycle, none are true mouthbreeders. Some
(notably the famous aquarium discus) provide nourishment for the young
directly from their bodies. |
Of all the incredible gamefish in the Amazon basin, the
one that has received the most press is the peacock bass. Their remarkable,
explosive topwater strike, combined with an astonishing ability to break
heavy lines and leaders and straighten even stout saltwater hooks, makes
them one of the most sought after species in the Amazon basin.
Peacock bass are not true bass, but comprise a genus within the family Cichlidae.
(For that matter neither are the largemouth and smallmouth bass, Micopterus Sp., found in North American waters, they're actually sunfish.) Cichlids
are a diverse family of tropical fishes found primarily throughout Africa,
South America and southern Asia.
Although all peacock bass species are highly temperature sensitive fish,
some have been successfully introduced in tropical areas from Panama to
Hawaii. The latest transplants (C. ocellaris) are happily
swimming in many of the major freshwater canals in Dade County, Florida.
No permanent populations of the giant species, C. temensis have
ever been successfully transplanted outside of the Amazon basin and Lake
Guri. If you want a trophy-sized opponent, they're still all waiting
in the Amazon
Until recently scientists recognized only five species of peacock bass, C.
temensis, C. ocellaris, C. monoculus, C. orinocensis and C. intermedia. A
recent rediscription of the genus now includes 15 named species with the
possibility of other species yet to be described (although there
is still debate on this topic). All species are called tucunaré
in Brazil, while most Spanish speaking South American countries use the
term pavón. |
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A World-Class Fighter
The peacock bass' explosive strikes and spectacular fighting
prowess serve to rank it among the greatest fighting fish in the world.
Even big specimens, like this 17-pounder on the Rio Tapera, don't hesitate
to go airborne. Bringing big, powerful fish like these to the
boat in the tight quarters in which they are usually found is a great challenge
for any angler. |
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