Butterfly peacock bass

Butterfly peacock bass (Cichla ocellaris) — field identification starting point: a freshwater fish whose exact body pattern and fin shape should be confirmed against the scientific name and approved photo. Confirm the exact species against the approved photo and scientific-name biology reference.

2–5 lb.

About 2.5 ft and 12 lb.

diet varies by species and can include fishes, insects, crustaceans, algae, plants or detritus

Relates strongly to cover, current, water level and temperature; many feed along edges or structure.

Found in Puerto Rico. Start in Puerto Rico reservoirs, rivers or canals where the species is documented, then focus on structure, shade, current breaks and bait activity appropriate to that fish. Habitat reference: lakes, reservoirs, rivers, canals and brackish transition zones depending on species

Habitat: not recorded yet.

Freshwater lakes, reservoirs, rivers or canals; depth use varies strongly by species, cover and water temperature.

Start around shoreline cover, drop-offs, current breaks or visible bait and then adjust deeper as light/temperature changes.

Water: freshwater and brackish.

Use local water level, clarity and temperature as the primary seasonal clues.

FWC states butterfly peacock bass feed and are caught during daylight hours rather than at night.

Tide is usually irrelevant inland; focus on river/canal current, inflows, wind-driven bait and water level.

Choose sea state, wind and visibility that let you hold position and handle the fish safely. Avoid treating rough weather as a feeding advantage.

Live shiners and small tilapia.

Jerkbaits, topwaters, small swimbaits and jigs.

Medium-light spinning rod, 8–10 lb line, 8–12 lb leader and a #4–1/0 hook or small jig is a versatile start.

About #6 to 2/0 covers many freshwater species; catfish and larger predators may need larger/stronger hooks.

4–12 lb line is a common light/medium start; use 15–30 lb around heavy cover or larger fish.

Often 6–15 lb mono/fluoro; heavier leader is useful around abrasive cover or toothy fish.

Sight-cast along canal walls and culverts in bright sun — peacocks feed by day.

Let it go quickly if you're not keeping it.

Good eating — a common food fish where it's caught.

Good table fare when bled, iced and cooked fresh.

After positive identification, current freshwater-rule confirmation and any water-quality advisory check, chill the fish promptly. Scale or skin as appropriate, gut or fillet with clean tools, remove bones/bloodline as desired and keep the edible portion cold.

If legally retained from water without an applicable consumption advisory, cook fish to 145°F (63°C) under FDA seafood guidance; flesh should be opaque and separate easily. Frying, baking, grilling or steaming can be chosen by cut and texture.

Use wet hands and pliers; catfish spines and some sharp fins can puncture skin. Follow local water-quality advisories before eating.

Rules: Peacock bass — Puerto Rico freshwater limits: 12 in total length minimum; 8 per person per day. DRNA quick-guide freshwater baseline. Reservoir-specific administrative orders can change quotas or sizes.

Avoid needless kills and follow protected-species, area and season rules.