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Acute Angling Amazon Sportfishing
- Science and Conservation section - Peacock Bass Species Guide.
Cichla temensis - ‘Tucunaré’
- 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. |
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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. |
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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.
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Identification Keys
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Bars and Markings
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| 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.. |
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Colors
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Extremely variable
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Size
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Juveniles: up to about 300mm (12 inches)
Adults: from 300mm up to about 1 meter (39 inches)
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Depth to length ratio
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approx. 25%
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Lateral Line Scales
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approx. 110
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Similar Species
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Most similar to
C. pinima
C. vazzoleri
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Angler's Summary
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Known Range
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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 |
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Behavior Notes
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| 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. |
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Habitat
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| 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. |
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Three-barred peacock
Speckled peacock
Tucunare Acu
Paca
Giant peacock |
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IGFA records
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| All tackle - 27 lbs |
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Fishing Tactics
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| 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.
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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 |
