Monoculus peacock bass
(Cichla monoculus)
Image source: Jo's Animal Database
General data
Monoculus Peacock Bass are found living in the main stem of the Amazon River, mid to upper areas of the Rio Negro and in surrounding tributaries of both rivers. Monoculus Peacock Bass are distinguished visually by short vertical bars that do not extend below the lateral line and a long horizontal bar originating at the base of the pectoral fin (cheek marking).
The main area of the body is yellow to gold in coloration, with a white under belly, black dorsal fin and tail fin that fades from yellow to orange. Juveniles are a more muted silver grey in color with less pronounced body markings.
Mono are considered medium sized Peacock Bass species that range from 24 to 28 inches in length as an adult, which is generally larger than Orinoco Peacock Bass (cichla Orinoco) but smaller than Temensis Peacock Bass (cichla temensis).
