Despite this pressure, the Peacock Bass fishery is, to date, stable. From a recreational view the introduction has been successful. From an ecological perspective, evidence is inconclusive. Peacocks and Largemouths Butterfly Peacocks and Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoides are superficially similar in appearance. When nesting, Largemouth males will typically excavate nests near a shoreline.
Males defend the nest sites and females affix eggs to the substrate for fertilization.
Females may deposit eggs on more than one nest. The males defend the nest and young fry from predators or interlopers. Both cichlid parents defend the nest site and young fish. Where nest sites are scarce, some competition between the predators may take place, though this is unconfirmed. In Taylor Slough, at Everglades National Park, Blue Tilapia Oreochromis aureus have been observed competing with Largemouth Bass for nest sites.