Abdominal
Blotches
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 |
