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Peacock Bass ID Guide
Acute Angling Amazon Sportfishing—Science and Conservation section—Peacock Bass Species.
'Lower Xingu peacock'—Cichla melaniae
Cichla melaniae is one of the newly described (2006) species of Cichla. The specimen at right was caught on the Rio Xingu in Brazil, by Dave Orndorf of Sunbury, OH.
ID Key: C. melaniae displays three prominent black vertical bars, slightly slimmer than other species and shows traces of medial bars between the three main bars . Numerous small black spots with light colored margins are scattered along the body sides. C. melaniae is similar to C. mirianae except for absence of light spots on head and absence of midlateral ocelli.
| Bars and Markings | Colors | Size | Key Characters | Similar Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distinguished by three narrow vertical bars and numerous ocellated spots scattered along body sides. | Deep gold on sides, shading darker toward dorsum. Bars and ocellus black. Upper fins and tips of lower fins bluish. | Juveniles: up to 200mm Adults: from 200mm to 400mm |
Depth to length ratio: approx. 31% Lateral Line Scales: approx. 82 |
Most similar to C. mirianae |
| Known Range | Behavior Notes | Habitat | Common Names | IGFA records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries: Brazil. River Basins: lower Rio Xingu. |
If you have fished for this species and have more detailed info, please contact us E-Mail Paul Reiss | Lentic (off-current) lagoons and lotic (subject to river current) rock piles | Cichla melaniae is named after Melanie Stiassny, an important contributor to Cichlid classification. | 7 lb. 0 oz. |
Fishing Tactics
Dave Orndorf caught specimens like the one pictured above on shallow running crank baits and jointed pikie minnows. As with other species of peacocks, they were caught in side lagoons as well as rock piles in the river. Dave upgraded his lures with enhanced hooks and split rings.
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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