There are five known species of peacock bass. The Peacock Bass is an exotic species that is originate and thrive in South American waters. The range of the peacock also has grown to include south Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Panama and Costa Rica. Over 20,000 Peacock Bass were released to help control the growing population of exotic fishes. Peacock Bass are very sensitivity to cold, and they have been successfully stock in South Florida.

The FWC stock peacock bass in south florida because the canals were being overrun with stunted spotted tilapia, and urban anglers had few opportunities to catch a decent sport fish. Native predators could not control the illegally introduced exotic tilapia population; the natural ecosystem was lost without hope of recovery, and tilapia were of limited value to people. Such introductions are normally more damaging than helpful, because of the risk the exotic will displace native fishes. That’s where butterfly peacock and south Florida canals become a perfect match.

Fisheries scientists are opposed to introductions of exotic fishes that have not been thoroughly studied. Peacock Bass cannot survive any further north than Broward County or they can experience natural die off. They grow very fast reaching a pound or more in size their first year, so you can imagine how much they have eaten to grow that fast!

Description Their body shapes is similar to that of a largemouth bass. It is very colorful. The peacock bass is not actually a member of the bass family. A peacock bass is actually from the cichlids family of fish. Florida Peacock Bass Largemouth Bass

HABITAT Successful in warm, slow flowing canals, ponds, lakes, deep rock pits, and lateral canals; frequently found in shady areas around bridges, culverts, canal intersections, bends, dead ends, and near fallen trees; spawns and often feeds in shallow water adjacent shorelines with overhanging vegetation; cannot tolerate water temperatures below 60oF or salinities greater than 18 ppt.

Seasons Florida Peacock Bass fishing is a year around fishery. You can plan a trip to go fishing anytime of the year. But if you want to catch a large peacock bass the best time is between February and the end of June. Also between late September and December or until the first cold front.

SPAWNING HABITS Typically spawn from April through September with a peak in May and June; both adults prepare a flat, hard surface near shore, then lay between 4,000 and 10,000 eggs; young are guarded by both parents, sometimes for several months; males commonly develop a ‘nucchal’ hump on foreheads when reproductively active.

FEEDING HABITS Feed almost exclusively on fish; tend to use great speed to capture prey; typically feeds only during daylight hours; this fish has helped reduce the number of undesirable exotic fishes, especially the spotted tilapia.

AGE AND GROWTH Grow rapidly to inches during the first months, after which they become much heavier with each inch they add in length. A 17- inch fish will weigh approximately three pounds while a 19-inch fish will weigh up to five pounds. The largest butterfly peacock caught in Florida weighed 12.0 pounds and measured 25.5 inches, but this fish was not submitted for a state record. It is not known how long they live, but preliminary data suggests about six years.

Most shallow areas have some vegetations, and such spots may hold a few smaller peacocks. The best areas is in deeper water; thickest bush or tree in a bunch is the best spot to catch big peacocks.

Water conditions is critical when fishing for peacocks. In most South American tributaries, waters are clear and dark.

The fast the water level rises affects the ability to catch peacocks. High water makes it more difficult to catch peacocks.

Exotic fishes are those that come from other parts of the world and did not evolve in Florida. Most exotics are undesirable--a form of aquatic pollution. Having few natural predators, parasites or diseases, exotics often out compete natives and significantly damage ecosystems. It is illegal to release exotic fishes into any public Florida water.