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Peacock Bass ID Guide
Acute Angling Amazon Sportfishing—Science and Conservation section—Peacock Bass Species.
Peacock Bass Anatomy and Terminology
| Abdominal Blotches |  |
A series of dark markings in the region of the abdomen that is covered by the pectoral fin when it is pressed against the body. Typical in C. monoculus, C. ocellaris, C. nigromaculata, C. pleiozona and C. kelberi. May feature several black blotches sometimes lined by light margins. |
|---|---|---|
| Caudal Blotch |  |
The caudal blotch is what has given the peacock bass its common name. It starts as a dark spot covering 2 or 3 rays of the caudal (tail) fin. With maturity, the blotch becomes larger and margined with a silvery or golden ring. The blotch is reminiscent of the eyes on a peacock (bird) tail feather. |
| Horizontal rows of light spots |  |
Except for C. intermedia, all species of peacock bass appear to have a pattern of light spots on their sides during at least some of their developmental stages. In C. temensis and possibly others, the spots may be more evident during non-spawning periods of individual's reproductive cycles. |
| Lateral Blotches |  |
In some species of Cichla the color pattern includes large roundish blotches along the middle of the side, corresponding to the position of the three numbered vertical bars. This is exemplified in C. thyrorus, C. vazzoleri and C. jariina and others. |
| Lateral Band |  |
Juveniles specimens generally possess a complete dark horizontal band extending from the head to the caudal fin base. In some species this band is abbreviated. Usually disappears with maturity. |
| Ocellated Markings |  |
An ocellus or ocellar blotch is a dark round marking outlined with a light border color, resembling and sometimes called an eye-spot. Ocellated markings may appear in various areas of the body including the tail (caudal blotch), the sides corresponding to the vertical bars (C. orinocensis) or scattered about the body (C. melaniae). |
| Occipital Bar |  |
A dark stripe above the gill cover and running obliquely across the nape. Prominent in large specimens of C. monoculus, C. pleiozona and C. kelberi. |
| Postorbital Markings |  |
Black markings arranged in and around a horizontal band running from the eye to the posterior edge of the operculum in juveniles. May be represented by irregular or isolated blotches or small spots, as in C. temensis. Often referred to as cheek markings. |
| Vertical Bars |  |
Black or dark bars are present in some form in all species of Cichla. Three bars, 1, 2 and 3 are arrayed on the sides below the dorsal fins. Bars 1a and 2a occur in several species and are located between 1 and 2, and 2 and 3 respectively. A fourth bar (4) is found in some species or individuals on the caudal peduncle |
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.
We've investigated and studied the regions we'll be taking you to, so our knowledge will help you have an unparalleled experience. Acute Angling handles your complete travel program…from air travel, to entry visa, to pre-trip preparation and even travel insurance. Combine that with our specialized tackle packages and you'll have nothing to worry about except catching trophy peacock bass. Let us handle the details.
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?
Let Acute Angling take you on the fishing trip of a lifetime!
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