Great White Shark vs Peacock Bass
Carcharodon carcharias compared with Cichla temensis
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Great White Shark | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Carcharodon carcharias | Cichla temensis |
| Order | Lamniformes | Cichliformes |
| Family | Lamnidae | Cichlidae |
| Conservation Status | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Great White Shark | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 600.0 cm | 100.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 1905.0 kg | 12.7 kg |
| Color | Classic countershaded coloration: slate-gray to charcoal-brown dorsal surface with a sharply defined boundary to a pure white ventral surface; pectoral fin tips dusky to black. | 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 | Great White Shark | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Saltwater | Freshwater |
| Depth Range | 0-1280m | — |
| Geographic Range | Cosmopolitan in cool to warm coastal and offshore waters of all major oceans. Key aggregation sites include South Africa, California, South Australia, and New Zealand. … | 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, 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 | Great White Shark | Peacock Bass |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | — | 9/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Great White Shark
Edible but rarely consumed; flesh requires careful handling to remove ammonia. Consumption is strongly discouraged — this species is Vulnerable and protected in many jurisdictions.
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
Great White Shark
The great white shark is the world's largest predatory fish. Found in coastal surface waters of all major oceans, it can detect a single drop of blood in 100 liters of water. Despite its fearsome reputation, attacks on humans are rare.
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.