Peacock Bass vs Wahoo
Cichla temensis compared with Acanthocybium solandri
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Peacock Bass | Wahoo |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cichla temensis | Acanthocybium solandri |
| Order | Cichliformes | Scombriformes |
| Family | Cichlidae | Scombridae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Peacock Bass | Wahoo |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 100.0 cm | 250.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 12.7 kg | 83.0 kg |
| Color | 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. | Iridescent dark blue-green back with a silvery-white belly; distinct blue or grey vertical tiger-like bars and spots along the flanks that fade quickly after death; fins dusky. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Peacock Bass | Wahoo |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 0-20m |
| Geographic Range | 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 … | Circumglobal in tropical and subtropical waters of all major ocean basins. Favors clear offshore waters around oceanic islands, reef drop-offs, and current edges in the … |
| Habitat | 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 … | Pelagic |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Peacock Bass | Wahoo |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
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.
Wahoo
Delicate, flaky white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and very low fat. Among the finest-tasting sport fish; best grilled, seared, or served as ceviche to preserve its subtle flavor.
Species Overview
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.
Wahoo
The wahoo is one of the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds of 97 km/h. Its elongated, torpedo-shaped body and razor-sharp teeth make it an efficient pelagic predator found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide.