The history of peacock bass in Florida dates back over half a century. Biologists tried planting these fish in Florida in ponds in the 1960s, but the fish soon died. In 1973 Texas tried stocking the fish in power plant lakes, but they died when the plants were closed for repairs and the water temperatures dropped too low.
Florida fishery biologist Paul Shafland was still convinced the gamefish might be able to make it in the southern part of that state. "Peacocks need water that does not drop below 60 degrees," he said.
One spot he was aware of where that need could be met was in the canals of urban Broward and Dade counties. Protected from cold fronts by trees and houses, they also cut into the Biscayne Aquifer, providing further warming. Making the setup even more appealing was the fact that a small exotic fish the tilapia was overrunning the canals. There was a biological need for a large finned predator to control it.
And one fish stood out that could solve that problem: the peacock bass.
Starting in October 1984, 20,000 peacock fingerlings from Brazil, Peru and Guyana were deposited in the 1,200 mile canal system. The rest is history. The peacocks thrived and are now successfully reproducing. And they offer spectacular angling for both locals and visiting lure, fly and bait fishermen.
Both butterfly and speckled peacocks live in the canals. Butterflies are the most prolific, but the speckled grow larger, according to Shafland, and offer better chances for a trophy.
