Similar to C. kelberi and C. monoculus and distinct from all remaining species of Cichla in possessing three dark vertical bars on side, presence of pronounced occipital bar in large specimens, absence of black or ocellated markings laterally on head, and presence of irregular dark blotches on anterior abdominal side. Cichla pleiozona have more scales in lateral row 84-93 (vs. 76-83 in kelberi and 68-87 in monoculus) ) and presence (with occasional exceptions) of dark vertical bar (bar 4) anteriorly on caudal peduncle which is typically absent in both kelberi and monoculus, and from kelberi by absence of light spots on anal and pelvic fins and lower lobe of caudal fin. South America: Bolivian Amazon basin including the Rio Madre de Dios, Beni, Mamoré, and Guaporé river drainages of Bolivia and Brazil; and in Rio Jamari, a tributary of the Rio Madeira. Introduced into the Rio Chagres in Panama. Cichla pleiozona, a peacock bass species transplanted from Bolivia. has become the most popular game fish on the Panama Canal.
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