PEACOCK BASS
Peacock bass were first introduced to Gatun Lake in the late 1960s, most likely after an accidental release by a local businessman. Whatever the reason, once they entered the lake, they took off fast. The species found here is believed to be Cichla pleiozona, the same type native to the Amazon, Rio Negro, and Orinoco river systems. Gatun Lake gave them everything they needed warm water, structure, and plenty of prey and they exploded in number. While peacock bass are now considered the lake’s premier game fish, their arrival came with a heavy impact. As their population grew, they pushed out several native species, especially smaller schooling fish that had no defenses against such an aggressive predator. Over the years, they completely reshaped the balance of the lake, becoming the dominant fish almost everywhere you look. That shift isn’t something that can be reversed; the ecosystem simply adapted around them. Locally known as Sargento, peacock bass have become the main attraction for anglers visiting Gatun Lake. They earned that reputation honestly they hit hard, fight aggressively, and never back down, even the smaller ones. A single topwater strike from a Sargento is enough to hook most people on this fish for life. Their power, speed, and ability to break off lures in a heartbeat make them one of the most exciting freshwater species in Central America. Despite the ecological changes, their presence has built a strong sportfishing culture. Many anglers now travel specifically to target these fish, casting around submerged timber, rocky points, and canal edges where they love to ambush prey. Today, peacock bass are fully established, a permanent part of Gatun Lake, and the species that defines its modern sportfishing scene.