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Acute Angling Amazon Sportfishing
- Science and Conservation section - Peacock Bass Species Guide.
Cichla monoculus - ‘Popoca'
- Spix & Agassiz 1831
| 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. |
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| 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. |
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Identification Keys
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Bars and Markings
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| 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. |
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Colors
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| Markings and color fairly consistent between individuals, except for
reproductively active specimens who show brilliant red markings around
lower jaw. |
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Size
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Juveniles: up to about 200mm (8 inches)
Adults: from 200mm up to about 450mm (18 inches) |
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Depth to length ratio
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approx. 30%
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Lateral Line Scales
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approx. 75
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Similar Species
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Most similar to
C. kelberi
C. pleiozona
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Angler's Summary
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Known Range
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Countries: Peru, Ecuador, Columbia, Brazil
River Basins: Rio Solimoes - Amazonas basin to Marajo Island
(near mouth of Amazon). Widespread throughout Amazon basin. |
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Behavior Notes
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| 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.. |
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Habitat
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| Primarily occupies lentic (slow or still water) environments in floodplain
lakes and backwater river lagoons, both blackwater and whitewater. |
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popoca
botao |
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IGFA records
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| All tackle - lbs |
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Fishing Tactics
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| 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
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For more information about
available fishing trips for peacock bass or other exotic species, contact
us , Toll-free, at;
Paul Reiss:
- 866 832-2987 - E-Mail Paul Reiss
- or:
Garry Reiss:
- 866 431-1668 - E-Mail Garry Reiss
We are pleased
to be able to arrange trips to the right place at the right time, anywhere
in the world, with the most reputable, professional outfitters. References
are available upon request.
Copyright © 2008 Paul Reiss
All Rights Reserved |
