How to Catch Peacock Bass in Singapore & Types of Peacock Bass

February 24, 2022

Peacock Bass
One of Singapore Favourite Game Fish to Catch

As Peacock Bass are from the cichlid family, they tend to be extremely aggressive and not shy. Due to this they are one of the favourite game fish to catch in Singapore. Even though there are 16 different types of peacock bass in the world, in Singapore we have three main species of peacock bass: Temensis, Mono- Peacock Bass and Azul Peacock Bass.

The 3 Main Peacock Bass Species & How to Catch Them.

1. Temensis (Speckled Peacock)

Temensis can grow the largest out of all the peacock bass species in Singapore, they can grow up to 1 metre long and 29 pounds in weight. Singapore along with the amazon waterways is one of the only water bodies where the Temensis tend to thrives. Th FWC in Florida attempted to release Temensis in the waterways of florida however, they were unable to thrive. Something that many anglers do not know is the difference between the "acu" and "paca" form. In the paca form the temensis will be a grey-green colour and has white dots along the body. When in the acu form also known as the breeding form, it is brightly yellow and green coloured and has 3 thick black bars vertically crossing the body. As seen in the photo below this Temensis is undergoing its transformation from the Paca form to the Acu form.

2. Mono-Peacock bass (Butterly Peacock Bass)

The Mono, is another species that we find in Singapore, even through they can only grow up to 75 cm in length. The mono is generally considered the most beautiful Peacock bass and is often kept in aquariums.

3. Azul Peacock bass (Azul)

The Azul Peacock bass, is directly translated to "Blue Peacock Bass" from Spanish. Same as the rest of the peacocks they come from the Amazon, the unique thing about the Azul is that is blue. Azul Peacock can grow to a maximum of 50 cm. An adult Azul Peacock bass will have 5 thick black vertical stripes across the body and strikingly blue fin colouration.

The Best Lure for Peacock Bass?
Tackle and Bait: Butterfly peacocks prefer live fish or fish-imitating lures, rather than plastic worms commonly used for largemouth bass. The best bait for butterfly peacocks is live shiners, but artificial lures like Everest Quickcatch work well too. These includes topwater plugs, jigs and crankbaits. Please note that you can only use artificial bait & lures at reservoirs and waterways. You may be fine up to $3,000 if you do not follow the rules.

We highly Recommend The Everest Quickcatch Lure.

This lure comes in 6 colours and is very effective in catching Peacock Bass. Quickcatch also utilises Magnetic Weight Transfer technology for long distance casting. Click for Quickcatch Lure

Where to Catch Peacock Bass in Singapore?

Peacock Bass are available at most of our reservoirs and rivers. Bedok Reservoir, Geylang River, Jurong Lake, Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront, Kranji Reservoir, Lower Pierce Reservoir and Lower Seletar Reservoir. These are the legal fishing spots where you have a good chance of catching a Peacock Bass; Check out our fishing map to get the actual locations.

Is Peacock Bass Edible?
I have not personally eaten one but yes they are edible. The flesh is white and apparently it is sweet when cooked. You can also fry the Peacock Bass. This fish has little oil and taste like snapper or grouper. Peacock Bass is also not excessively bony.

Other Names for Peacock Bass?
It is also known as Ikan Raja in Malay

What Do Peacock Bass Like to Eat?
Peacock bass normally like tiny fish. They feed on include threadfin shad and mosquito fish, for starters. Sometimes eat other kinds of cichlids (a freshwater fish which includes the angelfishes, discuses, mouthbrooders, and tilapia). Young Peacock Bass frequently eat shrimp.

Are Peacock Bass An Invasive Species?

Yes they are an invasive species. This means they destroy our ecosystem by decimating our native species. But they are still one of our best local gamefish. Even our Belida (knifefish) and Giant Snakehead (Toman) were introduced to our waters. Without them, our fishing community here will be very bored!