peacock-bass
Species Facts

Science Name: Cichla ocellaris
Other Names: Butterfly Peacock
World Record: 11 lbs. 8 FL.
Environment: lakes
Techniques: light tackle, casting, fly
Range: Florida
Description

Description - The body shape is similar to that of a largemouth bass. Body color is generally golden with three black vertical bars and a black spot with a silver halo on the caudal fin but have highly variable color patterns. In older fish, the bars tend to fade and may be completely absent in fish larger than 3 pounds.

Subspecies - It is a distinct species with no known subspecies.

Range - Butterfly peacocks were first stocked into the main coastal canal systems of southeast Florida in 1984. Low water temperatures prevent this species from becoming abundant outside of eastern Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The native range of butterfly peacock lies within the Amazon River basin of South America.

Habitat - Butterfly peacock were stocked in the fresh water sections of the major coastal canals in southeast Florida and support good fisheries. The many lakes, small ponds, rock pits, and lateral canals in eastern Dade and Broward counties also provide excellent opprtunities to catch butterfly peacock. They are frequently found in shady areas around bridges, culverts, and other structures. Canal junctions, bends, dead ends and fallen trees are also areas that concentrate butterfly peacock.

Spawning Habits - Spawning occurs in Florida from April through September with a peak in May and June. A female will select a flat, hard surface near shore and spawn between 4,000 and 10,000 eggs. Both parents care for the eggs and guard the young for several months. Male butterfly peacock develop a hump on their forehead while spawning and guarding young.

Feeding habits - Butterfly peacock prey primarily on fish. They feed only during daylight hours and rely on their exceptional speed to capture food.

Age and Growth - Butterfly peacock grow rapidly to 12-14 inches after which they become much heavier with each inch they add in length. A 17-inch fish will weigh approximately 3 pounds while a 19-inch fish will weigh up to 5 pounds. The largest butterfly peacock caught in Florida weighed 10.03 pounds and measured 23.3 inches. It is not known how long butterfly peacock typically live.

Sporting Qualities - This is a very popular sportfish for both boat and bank angler using a variety of tackle. Minnows are the preferred live bait. Top water lures, minnow imitating crank baits, and marabou jigs are popular with anglers using casting and spin casting tackle. Streamers, epoxy minnows and pencil poppers are favorites of fly fishers.

Eating Qualities - This is an excellent tasting fish with white, flaky meat and mild flavor.

Tips for Fishing

Top water lures, minnow imitating crank baits, and marabou jigs are popular with anglers using casting and spin casting tackle. Streamers, epoxy minnows and pencil poppers are favorites of fly fishers.