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Acute Angling - Amazon Peacock Bass Fishing Trips
Peacock Bass ID Guide

Peacock Bass
Species I.D. Guide

From 2003 Checklist

Cichla temensis

Cichla monoculus

Cichla orinocensis

Cichla ocellaris

Cichla intermedia

From 2006 Re-description

Cichla jariina

Cichla kelberi

Cichla melaniae

Cichla mirianae

Cichla nigromaculata

Cichla pinima

Cichla piquiti

Cichla pleiozona

Cichla thyrorus

Cichla vazzoleri

Unidentified Taxa

Rio Travessao peacock

Rio Paru peacock

Additional Information

Anatomy- Terminology

Classification Overview

Peacock Bass Maps

Contributors - References

Find out about other Amazon fish groups - Giant Amazon Catfish and Amazon Exotic Species .

Acute Angling Amazon Sportfishing - Science and Conservation section - Peacock Bass Species Guide.

Peacock Bass Fishing

Fishing Trip Schedule

Cichla ocellaris - ‘Lukanini’

C. ocellaris is found mostly in northern Guyana shield drainages. It only occurs in the upper Rio Branco (Tacutu and Urariquera) in Brazil. Temperature tolerant, it has been successfully transplanted to Florida where it is called the "Butterfly” peacock,
leading to confusion with C. orinocensis. Attains up to 12 lbs.

ID Key - C. ocellaris has faint transversal bars in some specimens and a round mark underneath the pectoral. Sometimes has one distinct individualized ocellum underneath the second dorsal fin. No black markings on the operculum (cheek).

Identification Keys

Bars and Markings

3 distinct, short vertical bars, abdominal bar and ocellated blotch in rearmost bar. Postorbital band (or series of connected blotches on operculum (cheek) not present.

Colors

Reproductively active specimens show intensified coloration, otherwise coloration fairly consistent between individuals.

Size

Juveniles: up to about 200mm (8 inches)
Adults: from 200mm up to about 500mm (20 inches)

Key Characters

Depth to length ratio

approx. 32%

Lateral Line Scales

approx. 75

Similar Species

Most similar to
C. kelberi
C. pleiozona
C. monoculus
C. nigromaculatus

Angler's Summary

Known Range

Countries: French Guiana, Surinam, Guyana and Brazil.
River Basins: Marowijine, Suriname, Saramacca, Nickerie, Corantijn, Berbice, Essequibo and upper Rio Branco drainages

Behavior Notes

Habitat

Found in rivers with fast water sections. Tend to be accessible in shallow eddies and rocky backwaters.

Common Names

English: Florida Butterfly peacock bass
Local: Lukanini, Toekoenali, Zonnevisch, Matawale and other regional variations.

IGFA records

12 lbs. 9 oz.

Fishing Tactics

Jim Micinilio caught specimens like the one at right in a quiet cove off the Rio Uraiquera. There was a small tributary feeding the back of the bay. The first one he encountered was caught on a Rapala CD14. He caught several more on topwater plugs (such as small woodchoppers and storm chug bug poppers - 5 1/2") up close to the bank. A lot of fish were found on the edge of the channel hanging on rock ledges. They were super aggressive. Jim also caught alot on home made buck tail jigs, all colors. As the water levels subsided during his week on the river, the fish were easier to spot, but harder to catch. Jim experienced a lot of cut offs on rocks. These peacocks were a highlight of his trip to the region. They averaged 4-7lbs.

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.