Species profile
Butterfly Peacock Bass
Cichla ocellaris
Identify Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 2 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris) is a bony-fish species regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 2 (Florida); the most generous is 3 (Hawaii).
Confirmed by 1,212 research-grade iNaturalist observations across the species' range.
Notable details
- Native to the Amazon basin, butterfly peacock bass were introduced to South Florida canals in 1984.
- They can exceed 20 inches in length in Florida's warm, clear waterways.
- The bold eye-spot on their tail may trick predators into targeting the wrong end.
- They are sight hunters that stop feeding in turbid or cold water below 60°F.
- They've become one of the most sought-after sport fish in the Miami area.
Where Butterfly Peacock Bass are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Butterfly Peacock Bass
Background
Cichla ocellaris, sometimes known as the butterfly peacock bass, is a very large species of cichlid from South America, and a prized game fish. It reaches 74 cm (29 in) in length. It is native to the Marowijne and Essequibo drainages in the Guianas, and the Branco River in Brazil. It has also been introduced to regions outside its natural range, but some uncertainty exists over the exact…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Butterfly Peacock Bass article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Butterfly Peacock Bass?
Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla ocellaris) is a bony-fish species regulated in 2 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Butterfly Peacock Bass?
Butterfly Peacock Bass is Cichla ocellaris.
Is Butterfly Peacock Bass regulated for fishing?
Yes — Butterfly Peacock Bass has fishing regulations in 2 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Butterfly Peacock Bass?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Butterfly Peacock Bass along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.