Cichla ocellaris

Cichla ocellaris
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cichliformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Cichla
Species:
C. ocellaris
Binomial name
Cichla ocellaris
Synonyms[2]

Acharnes speciosus Müller & Troschel, 1849

Cichla ocellaris, sometimes known as the butterfly peacock bass ("peacock bass" is also used for some of its relatives), is a very large species of cichlid from South America, and a prized game fish. It reaches 74 cm (29 in) in length.[3] 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 (e.g., Florida, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico), but some uncertainty exists over the exact identity, and at least some of the introductions may involve another Cichla species or hybrids.[4] It is frequently confused with C. monoculus. Studies conclude that the introduction of Cichla ocellaris does not negatively impact fish communities in Florida, making it an effective fisheries management tool.[5]

  1. ^ Frederico, R.G. (2023). "Cichla ocellaris". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2023: e.T13151133A13151136. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T13151133A13151136.en. Retrieved 2 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Cichla ocellaris Bloch & Schneider, 1801". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  3. ^ Froese, Rainer; Pauly, Daniel (eds.). "Cichla ocellaris". FishBase. April 2011 version.
  4. ^ Nico, Leo; Neilson, Matt (31 March 2020) [Peer reviewed on 3 May 2013]. "Cichla ocellaris Bloch and Schneider, 1801". Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, FL: U.S. Geological Survey. Retrieved 9 March 2023.
  5. ^ Shafland, P. L. (1999). The Introduced Butterfly Peacock (Cichla ocellaris) in Florida. I. Fish Community Analyses. Reviews in Fisheries Science, 7(2), 71-94. doi:10.1080/10641269991319199