Also known as
- Pavon Mariposa VE
- Tucunaré-borboleta BR
- Butterfly Peacock US
- Peacock Cichlid US
- Butterfly Bass US
Identification
A robust laterally compressed cichlid with a deep muscular build optimised for explosive ambush strikes in warm river systems.8kg. Breeding males develop a prominent nuchal hump and bolder patterning.
- Olive-green back fading to a yellow-white underside
- Distinctive ocellus at the tail base ringed in brilliant yellow, resembling a peacock feather
- Three faint dark vertical bars along the flanks, fading with age
- Vibrant spectrum of yellows, greens, reds, and oranges shifting with mood and water colour
Where it holds
- Rivers
- Lakes
Behaviour
Aggressive sight-dependent ambush predator; adults feed primarily on fish (85-90% of diet) with occasional opportunistic strikes on shrimp and large insects. Holds tight to submerged timber, rocky formations, and vegetation edges, exploding out with burst speed to engulf prey. Peak activity at dawn and dusk with strong midday drop-off in heat. Feeding intensifies sharply above 24°C (75°F). Breeding adults are fiercely territorial around the nest and strike anything close.
Diet: Baitfish, Characins, Small Cichlids, Cyprinids, Shrimp
How it's caught
Line Fishing
Spinning
Cast topwater walkers, jerkbaits, soft plastics, and crankbaits tight to submerged timber, culverts, rocky ledges, and vegetation edges. Aggressive rip-pause-rip retrieves with 1-3ft rips throw spray and trigger strikes. Bright colours dominate; set hard on the explosion and immediately pull fish clear of cover.
Live Lining
Free-line or light-weight a live 8-12cm golden shiner or baitfish near submerged timber, rocky formations, and cover. Use 25-30lb fluorocarbon leader and a 2/0-4/0 circle hook. Outproduces lures consistently in pressured waters — let the fish commit before setting.
Fly Fishing
Streamer
Strip large 10-15cm baitfish streamers and surface poppers near structure and vegetation edges on 8-10wt tackle. Fast erratic strips with hard pauses imitate fleeing baitfish; loud pops draw explosive takes. Apply immediate pressure on the hookup to turn fish out of cover.
