How to Identify Speckled Peacock Bass

To identify Speckled Peacock Bass (Cichla temensis), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

torpedo

Coloration

Highly variable. Typically, a base color ranging from olive green to golden yellow, often with three prominent dark vertical bars on the flanks. A distinctive ocellated spot (ocellus) is present on the caudal fin base. During spawning, males develop a pronounced nuchal hump and intensify their coloration, often displaying a 'paca' pattern of irregular white or yellow spots over a dark background, particularly in the 'paca' morph. The 'açú' morph typically retains the barred pattern.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Large, robust body, reaching up to 100 cm (39 inches) in length and over 13 kg (29 lbs) in weight., Prominent nuchal hump in mature males, especially during breeding., Three dark vertical bars on the flanks (though these can be faded or obscured in some morphs or conditions)., A distinct ocellated spot (ocellus) at the base of the caudal fin., Large mouth with numerous small, conical teeth.

Dorsal fin

Two dorsal fins; the first spiny (IX-XI spines), the second soft-rayed (16-19 rays). The spiny and soft-rayed portions are continuous or nearly so.

Tail fin

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin, with the characteristic ocellus at its base.

Pectoral fin

Well-developed, rounded pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with III spines and 11-13 soft rays. Pelvic fins are thoracic.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Size

   Cichla temensis is the largest species of peacock bass, often exceeding 80 cm (31 inches) and reaching up to 100 cm (39 inches) in length.

2. 2

   Caudal Ocellus

   Possesses a single, prominent, black ocellated spot (ocellus) at the base of the caudal fin, often ringed with a lighter halo.

3. 3

   Vertical Bars

   Typically exhibits three distinct dark vertical bars on its flanks, though these can be less pronounced in the 'paca' morph or during certain life stages/conditions.

4. 4

   Nuchal Hump

   Mature males develop a very pronounced nuchal hump on their forehead, especially during the breeding season.

5. 5

   Color Pattern Variability

   Be aware of the two main color morphs: 'açú' (barred pattern) and 'paca' (speckled pattern). Both are C. temensis, with 'paca' being the breeding coloration often seen in males.

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