Butterfly Peacock Bass regulations in Florida

· Freshwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? Butterfly Peacock Bass has no size limit today, with a daily limit of 2.

Butterfly Peacock Bass size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
Florida freshwater (statewide; FMAs and listed waters differ)	Open year-round	No size limit	2, only 1 of 17 in or longer

Exact Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission wording

Season: Open year-round
Size: only one of which may be 17 inches or longer
Limit: 2
Inland waters — as printed: “2 Butterfly peacock bass, only one of which may be 17 inches or longer in total length.”

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, captured 2026-10-01 (2026 season).

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About the butterfly peacock bass

Species of fish

Cichla ocellaris, sometimes known as the butterfly peacock bass, is a very large species of cichlid from South America, and a prized game fish. It reaches 74 cm (29 in) in length. It is native to the Marowijne and Essequibo drainages in the Guianas, and the Branco River in Brazil. It has also been introduced to regions outside its natural range, but some uncertainty exists over the exact identity, and at least some of the introductions may involve another Cichla species or hybrids. It is frequently confused with C. monoculus. Studies conclude that the introduction of Cichla ocellaris does not negatively impact fish communities in Florida, making it an effective fisheries management tool.

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, not Wikipedia.

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Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Butterfly Peacock Bass in Florida?

No size limit in Florida state waters.

How many Butterfly Peacock Bass can you keep per day in Florida?

2, only 1 of 17 in or longer.

When is Butterfly Peacock Bass season in Florida?

Open year-round.

Is my Butterfly Peacock Bass a keeper today?

Butterfly Peacock Bass has no size limit today, with a daily limit of 2.