Xingu peacock bass
(Cichla melaniae)
Image source: Jo's Animal Database
General data
Scientific names:
Xingu peacock bass
Habitat:
Freshwater
Climate:
Tropical
Native:
South America
Distribution:
Amazon
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).
