The adult Striped Peacock Bass is a predatory fish striking predominately at small fish.
Striped Peacock Bass Identification
Although there are countless colour variations throughout their range, there are only four currently recognised species of peacock bass, C. temensis, C. ocellaris, C. monoculus and C. nigrolineatus. All species are commonly called tucunaré in Brazil and Peru, while other Spanish speaking South American countries use the term pavón. C.ocellaris is now introduced in Thailand.
Although comprising widely differing species, cichlids share several unique physical characteristics. All have only one nostril on each side of the head, not two as in other fish and they have both a spiny, and a soft, dorsal and anal fin. Body coloration and markings vary greatly. Three vertical black bars are usually visible (intensity varies from fish to fish) beginning just behind the pectoral fin and ending underneath the soft portion of the dorsal fin. Often, the previously mentioned lateral white / black spots are present, running along the top third of the fish's body. On rare occasions, there are neither black bars nor horizontal stripes/spots, however, the mottled patch directly behind the eye remains a distinct identifying characteristic. This species is found throughout the Brazilian, Venezuelan and Colombian Amazon. The largest specimens are caught in the Rio Negro tributaries of Brazil and Venezuela.
A black circular "eye spot" - dramatically rimmed in a fluorescent gold - on the base of the tail fin is a common characteristic shared by all the many subspecies of peacock bass. It is said that this "eye spot" resembles that found on the tail plume of the peacock fowl and perhaps this is the reason that South American anglers called the fish pavon or peacock.
Actively breeding larger male peacock bass possess a prominent hump on their head, its purpose the source of much speculation, including: a natural weapon used as a battering ram when engaged in battle with other males and to protect fry and territory, a fat deposit that the male uses to nourish himself when guarding fry and not actively feeding or a hormonal induced structure that might make him more appealing to the females of the species.
Striped Peacock Bass Flyfishing in Thailand
Thailand Flyfishing Season: All Year
Of all the incredible fly fishing gamefish introduced into Thailand from the Amazon basin, the one that has received the least fly fishing attention is the Striped Peacock Bass.
Their remarkable, explosive topwater strike, combined with an astonishing ability to break heavy lines/leaders and straighten even stout saltwater hooks, makes them one of the most sought after fly fishing species in the Amazon basin and now in Thailand.
Striped Peacock Bass are not a true bass such as the largemouth and smallmouth bass (Micopterus Sp.) found in North American waters, but comprise a genus within the family Cichlidae. Cichlids are a diverse family of tropical fish found primarily throughout Africa, South America and southern Asia.
Striped Peacock Bass exhibit some of the most complex and highly evolved behaviour patterns of all fish. Because of the family's diversity, it is difficult to ascribe characteristics to all members of the group. However, many generalities effectively apply to the majority of species. Cichlids are among the intellectuals of fish. They are highly intelligent and it has been shown by scientists that cichlids can learn from experiences.
Cichlids are generally very aggressive and pugnacious. They are often extremely territorial. One generalisation that can be made about cichlids is that they are all substrate spawners. Some species may guard eggs or young in their mouths at some time during the brooding cycle. In clear water, one often sees tightly-packed clouds of peacock fry swarming about the head of their protective father. If a male is caught post-spawn, the growth on the head is often rubbed raw, as if the young have been nipping away at the swollen nodule.
Peacock bass are mouth brooders, meaning that parents typically guard the fry immediately upon their birth and stay with them for a period of time until they can fend for themselves.
Fly fishing for peacock bass is not a delicate or finesse affair. Long, accurate casts are often important when fly fishing for peacock bass. Even more important is the retrieve, it must be extremely aggressive. The strips should be long and fast with a short pause between each. This style of fly fishing can be hard work, but the reward is incredible. The first time you have a peacock bass "blow up" on your fly, inhale it and then pull line and backing from your reel like an express train, you'll understand why so many fly fishers have become obsessed with this fish.
Similar to the Snakehead “luk krok” a rippling, or what may be referred to as "bubbles" or "bambinos", may sometimes be seen on the surface. This rippling seen on the surface is actually a school of fry, typically with the protective parents below ready to pounce on anything that threatens them.
Generally speaking, the size of the fry school is a good indicator of the size of the parents below. Cast a popper approximately five feet beyond the fry dimples and then work the popper right through them. A violent strike will typically be elicited. In many cases, one angler can catch the male, while the second catches the female.