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Speckled peacock bass (Cichla temensis) — Cichlidae

Speckled peacock bass

Cichla temensis
Family: Cichlidae

The Speckled peacock bass (Cichla temensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 99 cm.

Length
99 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The speckled peacock bass is a large cichlid from the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America. The species grows to about 1 metre and has an elongate, yellow-green body with rows of pale spots and dark bars and a conspicuous eyespot on the tail. As a powerful open-water predator it hunts fish in rivers and lakes. It is a celebrated sport fish. It guards its brood. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Speckled peacock bass?

The Speckled peacock bass has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Speckled peacock bass live?

The Speckled peacock bass lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Speckled peacock bass get?

The Speckled peacock bass grows to a maximum of about 99 cm.

Is the Speckled peacock bass dangerous to humans?

No, the Speckled peacock bass is harmless to humans.

Is the Speckled peacock bass edible?

Yes, the Speckled peacock bass is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gevlekte pauwbaars sourced
English name
Speckled peacock bass sourced
Scientific name
Cichla temensis
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Royal pavon; Speckled pavon; Striped tucunare verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
99.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Cichla

More from the family Cichlidae

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