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Peacock Bass ID Guide
Acute Angling Amazon Sportfishing—Science and Conservation section—Peacock Bass Species.
'Borboleto'—Cichla orinocensis —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.
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).
| Bars and Markings | Colors | Size | Key Characters | Similar Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | 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. | Juveniles: up to about 200mm (8 inches) Adults: from 200mm up to about 500mm (20 inches) |
Depth to length ratio: approx. 30% Lateral Line Scales: approx. 80 |
Most similar to C. kelberi C. pleiozona C. ocellaris C. monoculus C. nigromaculatus |
| Known Range | Behavior Notes | Habitat | Common Names | IGFA records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries: Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. River Basins: Rio Negro, Rio Branco and Rio Orinoco basins. |
Generally when found in waters where C. temensis is present, C. orinocensis tends to occupy shallower, slower waters. Aggressive fry guarders. | Primarily occupies lentic (slow or still water) environments in lagoons, backwaters and shoreline pockets. C. orinocensis relates to blackwater environments. | Borboleto Taua Saupa Pavon mariposa Pavon amarillo |
All tackle—lbs |
Fishing Tactics
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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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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