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Peacock Bass ID Guide
Acute Angling Amazon Sportfishing—Science and Conservation section—Peacock Bass Species.
Tucunaré—Cichla temensis —Humboldt & Valenciennes 1821
Cichla temensis is the largest member of the peacock bass genus. Its violent behavior and awesome tackle-busting power is the primary attraction that brings avid sport fisherman to the Amazon. This top level predator is considered by many to be the most powerful freshwater gamefish in the world.
C. temensis, in its bright spawning color phase (above right) is called "assu" in Brazil or "3-bar" in English. They become heavier and deeper bodied in this form due to pre-spawn changes and matured gonads.
In the "paca" form (opposite right), C. temensis displays a darker color pattern and a more hydrodynamic shape.
ID Key
Color and Pattern: Cichla temensis identification is made somewhat complex by the species' morphological variability. Specimens are encountered in two very distinct color and pattern phases, with an array of intermediate stages corresponding to their degree of reproductive readiness. The spawning pattern transformation process is gradual - the bars darken, colors brighten and the white speckles disappear. The brilliantly colored acu (pronounced 'assu') is in reproductively active condition and is shown at the top, above. The Paca morph (second from top photo) has white or yellow dots (3) arranged in four distinct longitudinal rows. Both morphs have 3 distinct dark bars (2) along the sides of the body and a distinct black stripe or speckled markings from the eye to the end of the opercular bone (cheek or gill cover) (1), no ocelli on the sides or at the base of the second dorsal.
Body shape and characteristics: Temensis is the most elongate of the Cichla species, with a body depth generally around 25% of its standard length (length measured to the base of the tail). It has the smallest relative scale size of the genus, generally having from 100 to 125 scales along its lateral line.
| Bars and Markings | Colors | Size | Key Characters | Similar Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 distinct, entire bars from dorsal peak to below lateral line, almost to abdomen Distinctive postorbital band (or series of connected blotches on operculum (cheek). In paca form, four horizontal rows of light colored speckles. | Extremely variable  (Click image to enlarge) |
Juveniles: up to about 300mm (12 inches) Adults: from 300mm up to about 1 meter (39 inches) |
Depth to length ratio: approx. 25% Lateral Line Scales: approx. 110 |
Most similar to C. pinima C. vazzoleri |
| Known Range | Behavior Notes | Habitat | Common Names | IGFA records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries: Venezuela, Columbia, Brazil River Basins: Rio Negro, Orinoco, Madeira and Branco basins, with some, limited populations noted in several rivers draining into the Solimoes and Amazon |
A primarily piscivorous (fish-eating) predator, C. temensis will behave as both a pursuit feeder and an opportunistic feeder. Their determined and aggressive fry-guarding behavior makes large acu readily accessible to sharp-eyed anglers. | Primarily occupies lentic (slow or still water) environments in lagoons, backwaters and shoreline pockets. However, readily enters faster waters to feed and when water levels leave most lentic habitat dry. Mostly restricted to blackwater systems. | Three-barred peacock Speckled peacock Tucunare Acu Paca Giant peacock |
All tackle—27 lbs |
Fishing Tactics
Cichla temensis is the premier peacock bass species pursued by trophy anglers. It's sheer size, violent attacks and general overall aggressiveness have made it the most highly regarded of all freshwater sportfish. It has spurred volumes of literature and endless variations of tactics and techniques. See our 'Peacock Bass Primer' for a thorough introductory guide to catching this species in its native, pulsative river environments.
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.
With Acute Angling, you can experience the ultimate in peacock bass fishing trips. For over fifteen years, Acute Angling has been providing the very best fishing excursions in South America.
We've done all the research so you don't have to. From start to finish, we are there every step of the way to make sure you have the best sportfishing experience of your lifetime. We are there fishing with you and we'll help with techniques, tackle tips, and a full array of extras not found with run-of-the-mill fishing travel agencies or other outfitters.
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Now, just imagine it one more time: Holding up that incredible peacock bass that YOU wrestled out of the wild jungle-framed waters. Taking the photo and then releasing the beautiful animal back to the wild. Doesn't that feel good?
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