Latin name

Cichla temensis

Other names

Speckled pavon, painted pavon, striped tucunare, pavón cinchado, pavón pintado, pavón trucha и pavón venado, tucunaré-pacu.

Identification

Speckled peacock bass has dark spots on the operculum and three distinctive vertical black stripes on the body. They may become more pronounced with age, although this is not an absolute sign. There are light or faint spots on the dorsal and caudal fins, and the breeding male has a prominent hump on the top of his head. Some individuals (described as another color phase) may have from four to six horizontal rows of light-colored dashes or spots along the sides and mottling throughout the body and fins. These fish are called "spotted peacock bass" by many anglers and were previously considered a separate species. Speckled peacock bass are the only peacock bass that have fractured longitudinal lines and spots on their head, operculum, caudal and dorsal fins, resulting in speckling. However, many fish, especially the largest specimens, do not have such spotting along their sides. Speckled peacock bass have many color variations, with the adults being lighter than the young. They generally have a dark green or black color back, golden yellow or light green color sides, and a lighter color abdomen. The pelvic, anal and lower half of the caudal fins are often reddish, sometimes yellowish green. However, these colors are a general correspondence, and there are significant variations, especially in intensity (some have an orange or bronze hue), which may or may not be related to the season or habitat.

Distribution

Speckled peacock bass was introduced to Florida in 1985.

Habitat

No information

Size

This species reaches the largest size of any peacock bass. The current world record for all-tackle fishing is a 27-pounder from Brazil.

Life history and Behavior

No information

Food and feeding habits

No information

Reproduction

No information