Cichla temensis

Cichla temensis
Typical Adult above, breeding below
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Cichliformes
Family:	Cichlidae
Genus:	Cichla
Species:	C. temensis
Binomial name
Cichla temensis Humboldt, 1821

Cichla temensis, the speckled pavon, speckled peacock bass, painted pavon, or three-barred peacock bass, is a very large South American

C. temensis is native to the

Introduction attempts have been made outside its native range, but it has not managed to become established in Florida or Texas.^[6] In contrast, it has flourished in tropical Singapore^{[7][unreliable source?]} and Malaysia.^{[citation needed]}

Appearance

C. temensis resembles other peacock bass species, but is generally more elongated and slender in shape.^[5] Adults are highly variable in colour pattern, which has historically caused some problems, with some speculating that the variants were separate species or males/females.^[8] Only in 2012 was it firmly established that dark individuals with a dense light-speckled pattern are the nonbreeders, while breeding adults are more golden-olive and lack the pale speckles, but have three broad, dark bars on their bodies and a very vibrant ventral region.^[8] During the breeding season, some males also develop a bulbous forehead. Between the two extremes are several intermediate patterns.^[8] No other peacock bass species is known to have such extreme variations among the adults.^[8]

References

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