How to Catch Peacock Bass in Singapore ?
Peacock Bass; One of Singapore Favourite Game Fish to Catch
Peacock Bass is from the cichlid family, so they tend to be highly aggressive and not shy. Due to this, they are one of the favorite 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; Temensis, Mono-Peacock Bass, and Azul Peacock Bass.
Temensis (Speckled Peacock)
Temensis can grow the largest out of all the peacock bass species in Singapore; they can grow up to 1 meter long and 29 pounds in weight. Along with the Amazon waterways, Singapore is one of the only water bodies where the Temensis thrives. The FWC in Florida attempted to release Temensis in the waterways of Florida. However, they were unable to thrive. Many anglers do not know the difference between the "acu" and "paca" forms. In the paca form, the temensis will be grey-green and have white dots along the body. When in the acu form, also known as the breeding form, it is bright yellow and green colored and has three thick black bars vertically crossing the body. As the photo below shows, this Temensis transforms from the Paca form to the Acu form.
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.
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.
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 can catch 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 moderately bony.
