Cichla ocellaris

How to identify a Peacock Bass (Butterfly)

Peacock Bass (Butterfly) are found in rivers, lakes, and backwaters appropriate to each species. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.

Habitat and range

Rivers, lakes, and backwaters appropriate to each species

Where to catch Peacock Bass (Butterfly)

• US farm ponds and reservoirs — all species we list for this fishery
• Great Lakes (US/CA) — all species we list for this fishery
• Southern US rivers — all species we list for this fishery
• Introduced EU waters — all species we list for this fishery

Peacock Bass (Butterfly) by state

State season calendars that list Peacock Bass (Butterfly) — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:

• Alabama — seasons, best months and licence info
• Arkansas — seasons, best months and licence info
• Florida — seasons, best months and licence info
• Georgia — seasons, best months and licence info
• Illinois — seasons, best months and licence info
• Indiana — seasons, best months and licence info
• Louisiana — seasons, best months and licence info
• Michigan — seasons, best months and licence info
• Minnesota — seasons, best months and licence info
• Mississippi — seasons, best months and licence info
• New York — seasons, best months and licence info
• North Carolina — seasons, best months and licence info

Plus 7 more — all 50 state calendars.

Baits and lures

Species-appropriate lures · flies · and natural baits

Related species

Often caught in the same waters or confused with Peacock Bass (Butterfly):

• Pictus Catfish — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Piraíba (Lau Lau) — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Pirate Perch — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Pumpkinseed — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Quillback — identification & profile (Freshwater)
• Rainbow Darter — identification & profile (Freshwater)