| Cichla temensis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Subfamily: | Cichlinae |
| Genus: | Cichla |
| Species: | Cichla temensis Humboldt, 1821 |
Cichla temensis, sometimes known as the speckled pavon or speckled peacock bass ("peacock bass" is also used for some of its relatives), is a very large South American cichlid and a prized game fish. Reaching almost 1 metre (3.3 ft) in length and a weight of more than 12 kilograms (26 lb),[1] it is the largest cichlid of the Americas, and possibly the largest cichlid anywhere (the African Giant Cichlid may grow to a similar length). It is native to the basins of the Rio Negro, Uatumã and Orinoco in northern South America.[1] Introduction attempts have been made outside its native range, but it has not managed to become established in Florida or Texas.[2] It has been known to flourish in tropical climates like Singapore.