🐟 fish

Butterfly Peacock Bass

Cichla ocellaris

Least Concern

A brilliantly colored cichlid from South America, intentionally introduced to Southeast Florida canals. Now a sought-after sportfish — the only place in the US to catch them.

Size medium

Habitat freshwater

Diet Small fish, shrimp

Colors green, yellow, spotted

Behavior

Aggressive surface striker. Cold-sensitive — only survives in South Florida's warm canal systems. Active during warm months.

⚠️ Safety

Standard fish handling. No unusual hazards.

Fun Facts

Intentionally stocked by FWC in 1984 to control invasive cichlids
One of the most colorful freshwater fish in North America
Cannot survive water below 60°F
Miami-Dade canals are the epicenter of the US peacock bass fishery

Where to See

Biscayne National Park

coastal

95% underwater park protecting coral reefs, mangrove shoreline, and the northern Florida Keys. Incre...

Identify This Species

Use our Species Identifier to learn how to distinguish the Butterfly Peacock Bass from similar species.

🎒 Gear for Butterfly Peacock Bass

Peacock Bass Lures Topwater and glide baits work best Amazon → Medium Baitcasting Setup 7 ft medium-action for peacock bass Amazon →

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