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Arawana

Arawana

(Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)

The arawana is a freshwater fish found in the Amazon River tributaries and floodplain lakes of northern South America. It is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. This species can survive in the oxygen-deficient swamps of the rainforest because it is an obligate air breather, meaning it must take air into its swim bladder through its mouth in order to survive.

The arawana is a predatory fish that feeds on other fish, crustaceans and insects. Its mouth is oriented at an upward angle and has two forward-pointing barbels on its “chin”. The male arawana uses its mouth to hold fertilized eggs and newly hatched young.

You can see these amazing South American fish in the River Scout gallery.

Fun Facts

  • The arawana can reach almost 10 feet in length and weigh more than 330 lbs, although overfishing has resulted in sizes seldom exceeding four feet.
  • Its body is covered with silvery scales that can be over two inches long.
  • The arawana has a bony or toothed tongue, a distinguishing characteristic of this group of fish.
  • The adults are believed to exude a pheromone from the head to attract the young and keep them close during the period they are protected by the parent.
  • The arawana can be a difficult fish to keep in a home aquarium.
  • Download full fact sheet

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