Peacock Bass
Cichla ocellaris
- Class
- Ray-finned fish
- Rarity
- Common
- Observations
- 896
- Most observed in
- 🇺🇸 United States
- Conservation
- Least Concern
Description
Cichla ocellaris, sometimes known as the butterfly peacock bass ("peacock bass" is also used for some of its relatives), is a very large species of cichlid from South America, and a prized game fish. It reaches 74 cm (29 in) in length. It is native to the Marowijne and Essequibo drainages in the Guianas, and the Branco River in Brazil. It has also been introduced to regions outside its natural range (e.g., Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico), but some uncertainty exists over the exact identity, and at least some of the introductions may involve another Cichla species or hybrids. It is frequently confused with C. monoculus. Studies conclude that the introduction of Cichla ocellaris does not negatively impact fish communities in Florida, making it an effective fisheries management tool.
Summary adapted from the Wikipedia article “Cichla ocellaris”.