The peacock bass looks like largemouth bass. Its color will vary according to its species, but it is generally a vibrant and colorful fish. The fish has three vertical bars on its olive-green back that fade with advancing age and a yellow halo around a black spot on its caudal fin.

A peacock bass has a slim, sleek build that allows it to ambush its prey and a powerful pectoral fin that suits it for fast-moving waters.