Peacock Bass breeding in Pond/Lake.

[JuanTamad]

Following is how they do it in a Florida Pond/Lake. Could be different in their natural habitat in the Amazon.

1. They start spawning after heavy rains. As early as January, and as late as December.
2. They spawn in shallow water near shore. Sometimes in as little as 12
inches of water.
3. They lay their eggs on practically any solid surface near shore where it is
warmer than surrounding waters. I've seen their eggs on small rocks, big
rocks, Big tree branches, Small tree branches, Beer bottles, Soda cans, Construction blocks, Marble thresholds, discarded 5 galoon buckets, and even a discarded cable box cover.
4. They guard their nest ferociously. Will strike any fish, lure, bait that gets
too close to the eggs or fries.
5. There is always at least one of the breeding pair guarding the eggs or fries
to protect them from predators big or small.
6. Once the eggs hatch into wigglers, they dig holes in the substrate and
deposit them there to prevent them from straying away.
7. Their swimming action around the nest clears an area which makes them
easy to spot.
8. When the fries go free swimming they escort them around for weeks
until they are able to fend for themselves.
9. They swim around in schools of thousands as fries with parents.

Does anybody here have a similar or different observation?

 

[ewurm]

This begs the question, what is the status of Peacock Bass in FL? Can you fish for them anytime legally? Are there limits? Or are they considered invasive and not managed at all? And btw, if I go to FL, where can I go to catch one?

 

[JuanTamad]

This begs the question, what is the status of Peacock Bass in FL? Can you fish for them anytime legally? Are there limits? Or are they considered invasive and not managed at all? And btw, if I go to FL, where can I go to catch one?

They were brought in to control the exploding population of non-native cichlids and other tropicals.

They are managed basically by classifying them as sportsfish. Two fish bag limit per day, only one of which may be over 18 inch. Possesion limit is two days bag limit. There are exceptions for the aquarium trade.

Non-residents requires a freshwater fishing license. And you may fish for them in any public access waterways. The only legal way for catching them is by fish tackle. Netting or spearing them is illegal.

I'm not sure about this, but I think, the fishing license requirement is is waived if you use a simple pole with hook on a line.


I'm a Florida resident and do all my fishing in a private pond/lake.

 

[ewurm]

So they were introduced intentionally, not because of irresponsible people?

 

[ewurm]

Found a good article about these fish being introduced.

http://www.floridagameandfish.com/fishing/bass-fishing/fl_aa041002a/

 

[ewurm]

Here is an article of quite a few exotic species living in Florida, I found it quite interesting, but a little unnerving that so many people released these fish that they established sustained populations.

http://myfwc.com/fishing/fishes/non-native.html

 

[JuanTamad]

If you will be fishing in SouthEast Florida waters, be aware that there is a mercury advisory on any fish caught for food consumption. It's still ok to eat them but in moderation.

Also, like any wild caught fish they carry parasites. The really big ones are loaded with round worms when you open them. They are not good for "sushi". Cook them well and they are one of the best freshwater fish for the dinner table.

I'm told that even wild caught Salmon or Tuna used for "sushi" carry parasites as well. So watch that raw fish at the sushi bar.

 

[dacox]

Interesting post and links. Thanks.

 

[milk_and_mallard]

Florida's biodiversity to invasive species (especially fish) is almost like the diveristy in nyc to humans. Almost every aquarium fish that you can find has been introduced to florida's waters. You name, it probably exists. You could go to a pond/lake and catch flowerhorns, red devils, manguenese, dovii, peacock bass, oscars, clown knives, datnoides. Basically any central/south american cichlid as well as many asian fish out in the pet trade. This is for good reason, a lot of residents just dump out their overgrown pet and that pet thrives in those waters more or less because of the warm climate as well as the abundance of food. You do that anywhere else (release your fish) and most likely it won't survive the winter months. This is good for florida in some ways, great for anglers, but has really hurt the native species as they now need to compete for food and space. Florida and Australia are prevalent for invasive species domination. That's a good reason why you shouldn't dump your pet into the wild, who knows if it carries some disease that might hurt the other native species.

 

[JuanTamad]

Florida's biodiversity to invasive species (especially fish) is almost like the diveristy in nyc to humans. Almost every aquarium fish that you can find has been introduced to florida's waters. You name, it probably exists. You could go to a pond/lake and catch flowerhorns, red devils, manguenese, dovii, peacock bass, oscars, clown knives, datnoides. Basically any central/south american cichlid as well as many asian fish out in the pet trade. This is for good reason, a lot of residents just dump out their overgrown pet and that pet thrives in those waters more or less because of the warm climate as well as the abundance of food. You do that anywhere else (release your fish) and most likely it won't survive the winter months. This is good for florida in some ways, great for anglers, but has really hurt the native species as they now need to compete for food and space. Florida and Australia are prevalent for invasive species domination. That's a good reason why you shouldn't dump your pet into the wild, who knows if it carries some disease that might hurt the other native species.

Although the PB was deliberately stocked in Florida canals, I think the geniuses that made this happen is now beginning to realize that the success of their venture can also prove to be its failure. These monsters are now taking over some lakes and canals to the detriment of the native fish.

Sometimes the medicine is worst than the cure. This might be one example of this.

Heck, the Florida alligator was placed on the protected species list. It took a few human deaths and manglings before the geniuses began to reconsider their actions.