[5] C. temensis is characterized by possessing a post-orbital band (the dark marking between the eye and the opening of the gills), as opposed to other Cichla species which have either irregular blotches or lack them entirely.

[3] Adults are highly variable in colour pattern, which has historically caused confusion; some authors speculated that the variants were a separate species or sexual dimorphism.

[6] C. temensis is native to the Orinoco and Rio Negro basins, as well as several smaller rivers in the central Amazon (Uatumã, Preto da Eva, Puraquequara, and Tefé), in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana.

[4] The coloration of the non-breeding tucunaré paca, a dark olive with extensive speckling all over, is theorized to provide an excellent camouflage in the tannin-stained waters and the dappled light in the flooded forests, allowing it to ambush prey in the tangled environs.

Juvenile prochilods on migration are preyed on heavily by the opportunistic peacock bass, at times comprising nearly half of the biomass consumed by C. temensis.

Due to strong seasonal variation and extent of provided parental care, the species is typically restricted to breeding once a year in its natural flood-pulse river habitat.

The tucunaré açu are visibly "blockier" in appearance than non-breeding adults, having a higher ratio of height:standard length; some of this is due to the formation of fat deposits on the body.

[4] Pairs prepare a site with adequate hardscape - such as a rock or live or dead standing tree - at a depth of 1–1.5 metres (3.3–4.9 ft) to adhere their eggs to.

[15] The amazon river dolphin and the piranha Serrasalmus manueli have been noted to attack various species of peacock bass, including C. temensis, that were hooked or being released.

[16] C. temensis is fished both commercially and for sport; it is a popular gamefish akin to other peacock bass due to its energetic fight when hooked.