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Acute Angling Amazon Sportfishing
- Science and Conservation section - Peacock Bass Species Guide.
Cichla orinocensis - ‘Borboleto’
- Humboldt & Valenciennes 1821
Also called “taua” or “borboleta”
(meaning butterfly in Portuguese).
This nomenclature often causes confusion among Amazon visitors
familiar with Florida’s
“butterfly
peacocks” (transplanted Cichla
ocellaris).
The species occurs
naturally in the Negro, Branco and
Orinoco drainages. Attains
weights
of up to about 12 pounds. |
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ID Key - Has 3 distinct ocelli on the
sides of the body in place of the vertical bars of other species; body
color ranges from bright golden yellow to olive green and is fairly uniformly
distributed along the torso. There are no dark markings on the operculum
(cheeks). |
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Identification Keys
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Bars and Markings
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| 3 distinct, black ocelli ringed with silvery outline in place of three
bars Postorbital band (or series of connected blotches on operculum
(cheek) not present. |
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Colors
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| Reproductively active specimens show intensified coloration. Some specimens with a unique reticulated pattern and a reddish cast to their coloration are encountered in certain regions (based on meristic characters, apparently a phenotypic variant of C. orinocensis). Otherwise
coloration is fairly consistent between individuals. |
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Size
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| Juveniles: up to about 200mm (8 inches)
Adults: from 200mm up to about 500mm (20 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. 80
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Similar Species
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Most similar to
C. kelberi
C. pleiozona
C. ocellaris
C. monoculus
C. nigromaculatus
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Angler's Summary
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Known Range
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Countries: Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil.
River Basins: Rio Negro, Rio Branco and Rio Orinoco basins. |
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Behavior Notes
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| Generally when found in waters where C. temensis is present, C. orinocensis tends to occupy shallower, slower waters. Aggressive
fry guarders. |
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Habitat
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| Primarily occupies lentic (slow or still water) environments in lagoons,
backwaters and shoreline pockets. C. orinocensis relates to
blackwater environments.. |
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Borboleto
Taua
Saupa
Pavon mariposa
Pavon amarillo |
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IGFA records
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| All tackle - lbs |
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Fishing Tactics
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| Similar fishing tactics to C. temensis, althgough less likely
to attack large prop baits, such as woodchopper. Readily taken on
walking stick baits, such as Zara Spook and on subsurface lures, especially
the peacock bass jig. Although normally caught unintentionally by
anglers pursuing the larger C. temensis, C. orinocensis can achieve
fairly large sizes and has excellent fighting characteristics.
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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 |
