Tag: Peacock Bass

Peacock bass are colorful, hard-fighting freshwater fish in the genus Cichla — not true “bass,” but large cichlids native to tropical South America. They were introduced to South Florida in the 1980s to help control invasive tilapia and provide sport for anglers.

• Butterfly peacock bass (Cichla ocellaris) – The only species legally stocked in Florida; grows 2–6 lb (state record: 9.11 lb).

• Larger relatives in South America include the tucunaré açu (Cichla temensis), which can exceed 20 lb.