Cichlids (family Cichlidae) are among the most diverse group of fishes. Within these are the peacock bass (Cichla spp.), which contains many large growing cichlids. Peacock bass are generalist piscivores that can generate top-down controls on their communities. Speckled peacock bass (Cichla temensis; hereafter SPB) is the largest growing member of the Cichla genus, reaching >90 cm TL and >10 kg (IGFA). They're valuable food fish, supporting recreational, commercial, and subsistence fisheries across their range (Winemiller et al. 2021). Additionally, their aggressive predatory behaviors make them a highly sought-after sport fish that supports a multimillion-dollar sport fishery (Holley et al. 2008).
As a large growing fish, SPB are considered a species of interest for aquaculture practices focusing on food fish production and fisheries management. SPB stocking success has had mixed results. Successful stocking has been conducted in Venezuela, where SPB has provided increased fishing and harvest opportunities (Williams et al. 1998). For similar reasons, multiple U.S. state agencies (Texas and Florida) also attempted to stock SPB. However, colonization was unsuccessful due to cool temperatures, which SPB are sensitive to (Howells and Garrett 1992). Recently, the Puerto Rico Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA) has been interested in introducing SPB into reservoirs to act as a biological control agent and enhance fishing and harvesting opportunities (Neal et al. 2017).
For my thesis research, I conducted experiments on juvenile SPB to understand their growth, metabolic requirements, and hypoxia sensitivity in response to changing temperatures. Understanding physiological adaptations and limitations is essential for the proper rearing and grow-out of aquaculture species. Results from these experiments provide ideal rearing temperatures and emphasize the importance of elevated dissolved oxygen levels (Coffill-Rivera et al. 2022, 2023). As a large growing predatory species, SPB have elevated metabolic demands. This is an example of the many applications of studying fish physiology. While it can be a helpful toolbox for the aquaculture industry, it is also extremely useful for understanding wild populations of fishes.
References
Coffill-Rivera, M. E., J. W. Neal, and P. J. Allen. 2022. Effects of temperature on growth of juvenile speckled peacock bass Cichla temensis. North American Journal of Aquaculture 84(4):486-492.
Coffill-Rivera, M. E., J. W. Neal, and P. J. Allen. 2023. Effects of temperature on metabolic rate and lower dissolved oxygen tolerance of juvenile speckled peacock bass Cichla temensis. Journal of Fish Biology 102(3):635-642.
Holley, M. H., M. J. Maceina, M. Thome-Souza, and B. R. Forsberg. 2008. Analysis of the trophy sport fishery for the speckled peacock bass in the Rio Negro River, Brazil. Fisheries Management and Ecology 15:93-98.
Howells, R. G., and G. P. Garrett. 1992. Status of some exotic sport fishes in Texas waters. The Texas Journal of Science 44(3):317-324.
IGFA. 2023. International Game Fish Association. https://igfa.org/igfa-world-records-search/?search_type=CommonName&search_term_1=Peacock,%20speckled
Neal, J. W., J. M. Bies, C. N. Fox, and C. Lilyestrom. 2017. Evaluation of proposed speckled peacock bass Cichla temensis introduction to Puerto Rico. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 37:1093-1106.
Winemiller, K. O., L. Winemiller, and C. G. Montaña. 2021. Peacock Bass: Diversity, Ecology and Conservation. Academic Press.
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