Xingu peacock bass
(Cichla melaniae)

South America: Brazil, restricted to the Lower Rio Xingu drainage.

Max length: 36 cm TL; max. published weight: 710 g

Distinguished by narrow vertical bars 1-3, and numerous minute white spots scattered over flanks, including many ocellated spots. Bars 1a and 2a are commonly present, narrow and distinct. Complete lateral band present in juveniles. Lateral line not continuous.

This species is similar to C. mirianae, but light spots are absent from side of head (vs. present or absent), large midlateral ocelli absent from side (vs. present), and E1 scales 78-85 (vs. 72-80).