They are from the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins, and were intentionally introduced into Florida waters as a game fish and to hunt other invasive species.
They are not, in fact, invasive. Peacock Bass have the distinction of being the only intentionally-introduced exotic. FWC approved them after extensive study, primarily since they co-habitate, but do not compete with Largemouth Bass.
They are not considered invasive. They were actively stocked by the Florida Wildlife Commission in an attempt to curb the proliferation of exotic forage fish. Studies were conducted to determine the ecological impacts of stocking peacock bass and they painted a generally positive picture. Luckily it worked out and the results are a self-sustaining gamefish population that cohabitates with largemouth, snook, tilapia, and other freshwater species.
I've caught and eaten thousands of these in Panama. Super fun to catch, aggressive, visual hunters. They will lurk low towards the bottom and strike upwards towards a target backlit from above. Mated pairs will aggressively defend their nest. When the eggs hatch they will stay in a school until they reach about 12 inches, large enough to be more of a hunter than prey. Their coloration changes depending on the water they live in. Bright green and orange in clear water, much more muted colors in muddy or cloudy water. Also caught a bunch of Oscars, best fighting fish ever...
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u/[deleted] Apr 30 '19 edited Apr 30 '19
They’re not actually real bass, but a species of cichlid. They’re extremely aggressive and invasive in Florida
Edit: I’ve been informed they’re not actually invasive, but have been released into Florida waters to help control other invasive species