The Peacock Bass, a freshwater fish from South America, is known for its vibrant coloration, aggressive temperament, and impressive size. Belonging to the genus Cichla, it is a highly sought-after trophy species among anglers worldwide. Despite its common name suggesting a close relationship with North American sport fish, the Peacock Bass is not a true bass. Its classification places it in a different branch of the fish family tree, making the term “bass” a misnomer based purely on superficial similarities.
The Cichlid Family Tree
The Peacock Bass belongs to the Family Cichlidae, a group of fishes found primarily in the freshwaters of Africa and the Americas. The genus Cichla is native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, as well as rivers in the Guianas. This establishes their origins in a distinct evolutionary lineage separate from other so-called basses, and this placement is defined by several unique anatomical features not shared by true basses.
A defining characteristic of all cichlids is the presence of specialized pharyngeal jaws, a second set of jaws located in the throat. This feature allows them to chew and process food thoroughly. Cichlids also possess a single nostril opening on each side of the head, a trait that contrasts with the two pairs of nostrils found in most other fish groups.
The Cichla genus exhibits a modification of the standard cichlid pharyngeal jaw, where the lower bones are connected only by ligaments in the front, allowing for a wider gape. This adaptation assists the Peacock Bass in consuming large fish prey, supporting its predatory lifestyle. Species like the Speckled Peacock Bass (Cichla temensis) can grow to over a meter in length, making them some of the largest members of the Cichlidae family.
Defining the True Basses
To understand why the Peacock Bass is misnamed, one must recognize the scientific families that constitute the true basses. The term “bass” is scientifically reserved for members of two primary families: Centrarchidae and Moronidae. These groups share a common evolutionary history that separates them entirely from the South American cichlids.
The Black Basses, which include the popular Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, belong to the Family Centrarchidae and the genus Micropterus. These fish are characterized by a laterally compressed body shape and a dorsal fin that is divided into a spiny-rayed section and a soft-rayed section, which are typically fused. Black Basses are native exclusively to North America. All species within the genus Micropterus are further distinguished by having three spines in their anal fin and more than 55 scales along the lateral line.
The Temperate Basses belong to the Family Moronidae, which includes species like the Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis). These basses are defined by having two distinct dorsal fins that are only slightly connected at the base and three sharp spines in the anal fin. Moronidae species are found in the North Atlantic, including both marine and freshwater environments, separating them from the Cichlids and the Centrarchids.
Why They Share the Same Name
The Peacock Bass carries a misleading name because early naturalists and anglers assigned it based on physical appearance and behavior. The fish shared several superficial traits with the familiar North American Black Basses. Both groups exhibit a similar elongated, robust body shape, technically described as fusiform, which is typical of active, predatory fish.
The most noticeable shared feature is the large mouth, with the lower jaw protruding slightly past the upper jaw in many species. This large gape is an adaptation for ambushing and swallowing whole fish prey, a behavior common to both Cichla and Micropterus. Anglers noted the aggressive, hard-fighting nature of the South American species, which mirrored the sporting reputation of the Black Bass.
The name “Peacock” comes from the distinctive black spot, or ocellus, ringed in gold or yellow, found on the base of the caudal fin. This spot resembles the eye-spot on a peacock’s tail feathers. While its vibrant colors and fighting spirit earned it a common name linking it to the true basses, its internal anatomy and evolutionary lineage confirm it is a Cichlid.