Barramundi vs Peacock Bass
Lates calcarifer compared with Cichla temensis
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Barramundi | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lates calcarifer | Cichla temensis |
| Order | Perciformes | Cichliformes |
| Family | Latidae | Cichlidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Barramundi | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 200.0 cm | 100.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 60.0 kg | 12.7 kg |
| Color | Silver-grey to greenish-bronze flanks with a golden sheen under light; juveniles show a faint pale lateral stripe; operculum has a prominent dark margin and a small spine; fins clear to grayish. | 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 | Barramundi | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater & Saltwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | 10-40m | — |
| Geographic Range | Indo-West Pacific from the Persian Gulf and Indian subcontinent east to China, Japan, and Australia. Catadromous; spawns in coastal marine waters and juveniles ascend rivers … | 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, coral reefs, estuaries | 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 | Barramundi | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Barramundi
Buttery, sweet flesh with large flakes, medium fat, and a clean finish. Revered across Asian and Australian cuisines; superb pan-fried, steamed with ginger, or baked whole.
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
Barramundi
The barramundi is a large, catadromous predator native to the Indo-West Pacific. It is a protandrous hermaphrodite, beginning life as male and transitioning to female after several years. Highly prized in both sport fishing and aquaculture.
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.