Papua New Guinea is characterized by a hot, humid climate with cooler temperatures in the hilly areas of the country.

The Niugini Bass of Papua New Guinea is very similar to the Carp, found in many North American lakes. It’s first dorsal fin is very spiny with a soft-rayed, skin-like, second dorsal fin. It has a stocky body with large scales that are parallel to lateral line anteriorly. It’s body colour is a muted silver or steely grey, and like most fish, it is darker on top and lighter on its belly.

To help catch it’s prey, it has two small canine teeth on the upper jaw and smaller teeth on the lower jaw. It’s eye is large and reddish yellow with a large black pupil.

Size

The Niugini Bass is a large fish in terms of most freshwater species. On average they grow between ten and twenty pounds and there are Niugini bass being caught over 30 pounders and this is not uncommon. They can reach a length of forty inches.

The only other fresh water bass that comes close to the Niugini Bass is the Peacock Bass of South America, also known as the Peacock Pavon. The record peacock bass is 27 pounds, though many feel that there are fish over thirty pounds hidden in the Amazon waters. In contrast, the Niugini Bass are frequently caught in excess of 27 and 30 pounds. in fact, the largest one rumour to have been caught is 35kg/77 pounds.

Population

The Niugini (Black) Bass is very tolerant to viruses and can tolerate fresh and salt waters and has a very fast rate of growth, attributed largely to the warm water conditions and ample food supply. However, their population numbers are not very high. This is one species where practicing catch and release is helpful for the longevtivity of the species.

Weather

Papua New Guinea is characterized by a hot, humid climate with cooler temperatures in the hilly areas of the country. The mountains and the ocean being so close to each other cause micro climate conditions so keep an eye on weather radar and satilite images.

Avoid heavy clothing. Light weight tropical cottons are recommended for the dry season with rain gear for the rainy season as it rains very hard. The average rainfall is 7.5 inches 5/19 cm in the months of January, February and March with December coming in at a respectable 4.3 inches/11 cm.

Humidity levels remain constant throughout much of the year with the lowest humidity level being 69%, reaching as high as 81 percent. At the same time, the temperature in the shade averages around the high 80&degs throughout the year witht he average low being in the high 7°Fs/21°C+).