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PAYARA
THE VAMPIRE FISH
The Payara is a relative of the Piranha and Pacu. It is a popular game fish in South America. Payaras are a fascinating group of fish. The amazing teeth of these large, dynamic predators are reminiscent of deep sea predators and never fail to instantly enthrall anyone who beholds them. As such, they tend to generate an intense interest in people who learn about them.
Classification / Names
Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) > Characiformes (Characins) > Cynodontidae (Dogtooth characins) > Cynodontinae
Size / Weight / Age
Max length : 117 cm TL male/unsexed; max. published weight: 17.8 kg
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate / Range
Tropical; 24°C - 28°C
Biology
It is apparently carnivorous, probably ichthyophagous. The maximum length is reported to reach 40 cm.
BEST TIME TO FISH:
OCTOBER THROUGH MARCH
Capt Marc will take his groups during the prime fishing season and not just to fill a week, we have prime weeks reserved for the most possible productive trips to the Amazon, contact us for full details and dates. Trips fill up fast and early.
River Monsters
in the Rio Negro River
Stranger Things Lurks Below
Payara even though we don't have the monster payara's of the Amazon, these are some of the strange fish you will catch during your stay.
Payara are fast and aggressive feeders. One look at the mouth of this fish and there will be no doubt that the Payara is a vicious carnivore. This incredible fish has two large fangs on its lower jaw. These fangs can be 4 to 6 inches long. These two main lower teeth are so long that there are holes in the upper jaw for them to fit into. The Payara are mainly known as a game fish and are prized by fisherman for their fighting ability.
These fish usually swallow their prey whole, but will sometimes chop them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. They get large too, so if you want to keep one as a pet, be prepared to have a very high feeder fish bill. This fish can reach up to about 4 feet (117 cm) in length with a weight of up to 40 lbs (18 kg), though aquarium specimens usually reach only about 12 inches. Its appearance and behavior of this have led to the common names of Vampire Tetra, Vampire Characin, Payara Characin, and Sabre Toothed Tiger Fish.
