Peacock Bass

Peacock Bass

Classification / Names

Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)> Perciformes (Perch-likes)> Cichlidae (Cichlids)> Cichlinae

Size / Weight / Age

Maximum length: 74.0 cm TL male / asexual; max. Published weight: 6,800g.

environment

Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; The depth range: 5 - m.

Climate / Range

Tropical; 24 ° C - 27 ° C; 26 ° N - 9 ° S

brief description

Diagnosis. It differs from other species of Cichla except nigromaculata C., C. intermedia, C. and C. melaniae piquiti by the presence of the bar first and second. Sideband juveniles shortened. It is distinguished from its congeners by the sideband abbreviated sideline generally continuous (dashed against or almost always discontinuous orinocensis and nigromaculata); E1 line scales (67-) 70-80 (-82) (vs. 84-93 in pleiozona); bar occipital absent or indistinct (vs. shown in adults Monoculus, kelberi and pleiozona); (vs. absent in orinocensis) points abdominal present; vertical bars on the adult size (compared to the three points in orinocensis central part of the mountain), except that a stain ocellata constantly formed in the dorsal part of the bar 3; absence of small black spots on the back (vs. present in nigromaculata); vertical bars on equally wide on all sides (vs. latissimus dorsi, occasionally confluent, and tapers nigromaculata ventrad, Monoculus, kelberi and pleiozona). It differs from the center C., C. and C. melaniae piquiti by abbreviated lateral full vs young band, fewer stops row E1 (67-82 vs (78) 83-108), and the presence of the slick Ride The part dorsal bar 3 vs. absence.

biology

Peacock Bass occur in rapids and calm waters with average depth and rocky substrates. They form schools; and fed only small fish, mainly threadfin shad, mosquito fish, tilapia and bluegill. Peacock Bass is not considered ideal for aquaculture because of its highly predatory habits. Breeding occurs throughout the year, with a peak at the beginning of the rainy season. About 9000-15000 kg eggs are released during spawning. Spawning takes place every two months on a flat rock in shallow water. The adhesive eggs, measuring 1.4 mm in diameter, have 78 hours to hatch at 28 ° C