• Over 3,000 kinds of fish, approximately one third of the world's species, are found in the Amazon Basin.

• Peacock bass are not a true bass, rather the common name used for members of a family of large cichlids.

• Cichla pleozona, locally called Tucunaré, is a recently described species.

• Peacock bass have no teeth, however they are spectacularly powerful, often acrobatic fighters.

• Cichlids are highly intelligent and territorial.  Male peacock bass will protect their fry.

• During breeding season, mature male peacock bass develop a discernable protrusion on their heads.

• There are presently at least 15 named species of peacock bass.
  

• Pacu actually comprise a group of several Charicins, the Tambaquí and Pirapitinga being their largest close cousins.

• Tambaquí are seasonally frugivorous feeding on the fallen fruits of numerous tree species and become important seed dispersers in the flooded varzea.

• Tambaquí have flat crushing molars giving their dentition a human-like appearance.

• The fearsome payara, of which there are several species (Hydrolicus and Rhaphiodon) is a migratory game fish with oversized, needle-sharp canines.

• In spite of their fearsome appearance, many piranha species are specialized scale and fin nippers.

• The sardinata, a migratory member of the clupiedae family, looks and behaves much like its cousin, the saltwater tarpon, and commonly attains weights of 10 lbs. 

Sport Fishing FAQs:

Should I use steel leaders?  
No.  Even though you may loose a few lures to piranhas, steel leaders do not allow your lures to swim effectively. 

Will I need specialized gear for each species?  
No.  Fortunately, most sport fish including peacock bass, sardinata, payara, piranha, and several catfish species can all be caught with good success on the same gear.

Is fly fishing productive?  
Yes.  Fly casting poppers and streamers is quite effective, especially during the low water season. (My personal preference, however, is spin casting as dugout canoes can be a bit unstable when fly casting and piranhas can make quick work of fur and feathers.)

Which lures work best?  
3 to 4 inch-long surface and shallow diving lures, especially those with internal rattling bearings, seem to produce best.  Rapalas, Rattle Traps, Chug Bugs, and Excalibers are all excellent choices.  Productive colors are green, red, orange, yellow, silver, and combinations of those.  Metal spoons and spinners do not produce well.

Do I need to modify my lures?  
Peacock bass and piranhas have incredible bite strength.  I switch out standard treble hooks with heavier, good quality ones and always pack a few extras and split ring pliers with me.

How much gear should I bring?   
I recommend that you bring one back up rod and reel in addition to your outfit of choice.  An extra spool of high quality braided line in 10-12 lb test is sufficient.  A selection of at least 25 shallow-diving and surface lures is recommended.  Small pliers are essential for extracting hooks from the jaws of piranhas.  A rod tip repair kit may come in handy.