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Peacock Bass ID Guide
Acute Angling Amazon Sportfishing—Science and Conservation section—Peacock Bass Species.
'Popoca'—Cichla monoculus —Spix & Agassiz 183
Called "popoca" or "botão" in Brazil, Cichla monoculus is widely distributed along the Amazon main stem and up to the mid-upper Rio Negro and tributaries. It is also found in coastal rivers. Typically attains up to 5 pounds but has been known to reach 10.
ID Key: Short vertical bars that do not extend below the lateral line and a long horizontal bar beginning at the base of the pectoral fin. No individualized ocellum at the base of second dorsal and no opercular (cheek) markings. Brilliantly colored when spawning. Large specimens have dark occipital bar.
| Bars and Markings | Colors | Size | Key Characters | Similar Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 distinct, entire, short, broad bars from dorsal peak to near lateral line. Postorbital band on operculum (cheek markings) not present. Irregular horizontal dark bar on abdominal side. | Markings and color fairly consistent between individuals, except for reproductively active specimens who show brilliant red markings around lower jaw. | Juveniles: up to about 200mm (8 inches) Adults: from 200mm up to about 450mm (18 inches) |
Depth to length ratio: approx. 30% Lateral Line Scales: approx. 75 |
Most similar to C. kelberi C. pleiozona |
| Known Range | Behavior Notes | Habitat | Common Names | IGFA records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries: Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil River Basins: Rio Solimoes - Amazonas basin to Marajo Island (near mouth of Amazon). Widespread throughout Amazon basin. |
Where found with congeners (other species of peacock bass), such as C. temensis, C. monoculus tends to occupy the shallower or more structure dense areas of the fishery, especially related to dense tangles of wood. | Primarily occupies lentic (slow or still water) environments in floodplain lakes and backwater river lagoons, both blackwater and whitewater. | popoca botao |
All tackle—lbs |
Fishing Tactics
In waters where C. temensis is present, C. monoculus tends to occupy lentic (slow) waters with the most dense structure. It readily strikes subsurface lures, including jigs and flies and will sometimes take Zara Spooks and small woodchoppers on the surface. In Rio Solimoes waters where C. temensis is not present, it can be found guarding fry and will readily attack large surface plugs. Angling characteristics in other regions are not known to us.
If you have fished for Cichla monoculus in other waters and have information to contribute, please contact us—E-Mail Paul Reiss
Your Adventure Begins Here:
Contents
From 2003 Checklist
From 2006 Re-description
Unidentified Taxa
Additional Information
Find out about other Amazon fish groups:
When you Travel With Acute Angling, It's Much More Than Just Fishing
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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