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Common Name(s): Peacock Cichlid, Peacock Bass
Scientific Name: Cichla Ocellaris
Local Name(s): [Md]皇帝鱼(Huang Di Yu)
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes
CNR Time: 1 min

A popular freshwater gamefish native to South America. It said to be introduced in Singapore by irresponsible anglers and aquarium hobbyists who released the fish into some of our local reservoirs, ponds and streams. Currently known reservoirs with peacock bass are Lower Seletar Reservoir, Macritchie Reservoir(?), Lower Pierce Reservoir, Pandan Reservoir(no fishing) and Bedok Reservoir.

Peacock Bass are aggressive and preys smaller fishes. Because of this, they cause ecological imbalance to the freshwater habitat. Fishes such as snakeheads and other cichlids' young are often targeted by the peacock bass, causing decline in their population.

The peacock bass is favoured by many anglers for the thrill it provides; good speed and power. They will fall for lures fairly easy, entice them to bite with sharp movements of the lure. This fish don't make a very good dish and is often released back into the water by anglers.

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Reference: Fishbase, Fishspecies