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Peacock Bass ID Guide
Acute Angling Amazon Sportfishing—Science and Conservation section—Peacock Bass Species.
'Tucunare Amarela'—Cichla kelberi
Cichla kelberi is one of the newly described (2006) species of Cichla.
ID Key: C. Kelberi is similar to both C. monoculus and C. pleiozona, with three distinct dark vertical bars on its sides and without dark opercular markings. Small light spots on the lower fins distinguish it from other species. Large specimens possess a distinct occipital bar.
| Bars and Markings | Colors | Size | Key Characters | Similar Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Has three distinct dark vertical bars on its sides and is without dark opercular markings. Small light spots on the lower fins distinguish it from other species. | Yellowish/gold sides, especially posteriorly. Head greenish. Lower fins reddish olive. Orange/red markings at lower edge of operculum. | Juveniles: Adults: |
Depth to length ratio: approx. 32% Lateral Line Scales: approx. 80 |
Most similar to C. pleiozona C. monoculus |
| Known Range | Behavior Notes | Habitat | Common Names | IGFA records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries: Brazil. River Basins: Rio Araguaia and lower Rio Tocantins basins. Also introduced in reservoirs in Eastern and Northern Brazil. |
See Below | In low gradient rivers, C. kelberi occupy shallow, lentic habitats (lagoons). | English: Yellow peacock bass Local: tucunare amarela tucunare comum. |
Currently None |
Fishing Tactics
Stuart Willis reports on his experience with C. kelberi:
"We fished for these near Sao Felix, where the Rio das Mortes encounters the Araguaia. This is a clear, sandy, low-gradient, meandering floodplain river, with many lagoons and channels. C. piquiti and C. kelberi seem to divide ecological space not unlike C. temensis and C. monoculus in the Negro, or C. temensis and C. orinocensis in the Orinoco. That is, C. piquiti are larger, appear to occupy deeper habitats with more flow (e.g. channels), while C. kelberi are more often in smaller, shallower or lentic habitats (e.g. lagoons). We caught both on silver weedless spoons, my standard fare (the idiot-proof lure, I guess). Locals called these fishes tucunare branca (C. piquiti), and tucunare amarela (C. kelberi), and only the large, sexually mature C. piquiti acquire the bluish fins, and hence the appellation tucunare azul."
Your Adventure Begins Here:
Contents
From 2003 Checklist
From 2006 Re-description
Unidentified Taxa
Additional Information
Find out about other Amazon fish groups:
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Imagine casting your line into the mysterious and beautiful black waters of the Brazilian Amazon. Then imagine the explosive strike of one of the biggest Peacock Bass you've ever seen. Then picture yourself fighting and landing the world's greatest freshwater gamefish and the trophy you've been dreaming of. Imagine doing this for days on end, without intrusive interruptions, or hurrying off because you've run out of time.
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