Exotic fishes are those that come from other parts of the world and did not evolve in Florida. Most exotics are undesirable--a form of aquatic pollution. Having few natural predators, parasites or diseases, exotics often out compete natives and significantly damage ecosystems. It is illegal to release exotic fishes into any public Florida water.

So what made butterfly peacock and the situation in south Florida so unique that the FWC would stock them? Well for starters, the canals of south Florida were being overrun with stunted spotted tilapia, and urban anglers had few opportunities to catch a decent sport fish. The predator-prey balance was way "out of whack." Native predators could not control the illegally introduced exotic tilapia population; the natural ecosystem was lost without hope of recovery, and tilapia were of limited value to people.

The solution was to import a predator that would survive in the warm canal waters, eat tilapia, and grow rapidly to harvestable size, so people could catch and consume them. Such introductions are normally more damaging than helpful, because of the risk the exotic will displace native fishes. That’s where butterfly peacock and south Florida canals become a perfect match. Butterfly peacock are tasty, hard-fighting fish, but they cannot survive water temperatures below 60°F. Due to warm ground waters flowing into the box cut canals of south Florida, there are normally refuges at or above 65°. Yet surrounding waters annually dip below these temperatures, thus forming a natural barrier to the butterfly peacock. Even as far south as Boca Raton, butterfly peacock cannot survive winter temperatures.

After careful documentation of these facts, and review by experts from across the nation, the FWC decided to go forward with the introduction. Butterfly peacock were imported from Brazil, Guyana and Peru and spawned at the FWC’s Non-Native Fish Research Lab. Using three stocks increased genetic variability, and fish were stocked only after being tested by both the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Auburn University to ensure they were disease and parasite free.

Today the butterfly peacock fishery extends through 330 miles of canals in Dade and Broward counties and is self-sustaining. Since additional stockings are not needed, there is no on-going cost for the program. Yet it generates about 286,000 hours of angling enjoyment each year and provides nearly $5 million of annual economic benefit.

The best fishing locales can be found by contacting local bait and tackle shops, and fishing guides are available. South Florida peacock bass even have their own privately operated fishing club. Butterfly peacock can be readily accessed from canal banks or boats, with prime fishing being during daylight hours. Focus your effort in shaded areas near structure, and use top-water lures, minnow-like crank baits or small golden shiners. Light tackle works best.

The bag limit is two fish per day, with only one longer than 17 inches. Butterfly peacock over 18 inches, or 5 pounds are eligible for the Big Catch program.  The FWC now has a Peacock Bass Fishing brochure available in PDF format (pdf instructions)