Atlantic Halibut vs Peacock Bass
Hippoglossus hippoglossus compared with Cichla temensis
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Atlantic Halibut | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hippoglossus hippoglossus | Cichla temensis |
| Order | Pleuronectiformes | Cichliformes |
| Family | Pleuronectidae | Cichlidae |
| Conservation Status | Endangered | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Atlantic Halibut | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 470.0 cm | 100.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 320.0 kg | 12.7 kg |
| Color | Eyed side is olive-brown to dark greenish-brown with mottled paler blotches providing camouflage; blind underside is pure white; lateral line distinctly arched over the pectoral fin. | Golden-yellow to olive-green body with three bold dark vertical bars on the flanks; a striking black ocellus edged in gold at the tail base; breeding males develop a prominent nuchal hump. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Atlantic Halibut | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | 50-2000m | — |
| Geographic Range | North Atlantic from Labrador and Greenland east to Iceland, Norway, the Barents Sea, and the British Isles. Found on sandy and gravel bottoms at depths … | Native to the Amazon River basin and Orinoco River system in South America, including Venezuela, Colombia, and Brazil. Inhabits blackwater rivers, flooded forests, and large … |
| Habitat | Neritic | Native to Southeast Asian rivers including the Mekong basin. Warm, slow-moving freshwater with soft substrates. Introduced to tropical aquaculture systems globally. Tolerates wide temperature range … |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Atlantic Halibut | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Atlantic Halibut
Firm, meaty white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and very low fat. Endangered status — sustainable sourcing essential; superb pan-seared, poached in butter, or roasted with aromatics.
Peacock Bass
Firm, white flesh with a clean, mild flavor and low fat content. Prized table fish throughout Amazonian cuisines; excellent grilled, pan-fried, or steamed with citrus.
Species Overview
Atlantic Halibut
The Atlantic halibut is the largest flatfish in the world, capable of exceeding 300 kg. Both eyes are on the right side of its body. It is a slow-growing, long-lived species that has suffered severe overfishing.
Peacock Bass
The peacock bass is the crown jewel of Amazon basin sport fishing. Despite its name, it is actually a large cichlid. Known for explosive topwater strikes and powerful, drag-screaming runs in tropical rivers and lagoons.