What is the Peacock Bass?
The peacock bass is not really a “bass” at all. The two fish, similar in stature and sporting qualities, are genetically far apart. The peacock, which has attained documented weights in excess of 27 pounds, is called “bass” only because it strongly resembles a largemouth in general size and shape. However, it is actually the largest American member of the cichlid family of fishes, which also includes the guapote (rainbow bass), oscar and tilapia, among many others. There are 1,400 species within the cichlid family worldwide and 250 to 300 in South America. The family is to tropical waters as the sunfish family, which includes the black basses, is to temperate freshwaters of North America. Some biologists believe that the two were derived from a common ancestor, a prehistoric saltwater perch. Practicing catch and release will help sustain a healthy peacock bass population.Peacock bass are similar to largemouth in many ways — something I’ve personally witnessed during numerous trips fis
