Fin's Fish Guide
The Arawana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is a freshwater fish of the family Osteoglossidae that grows up to 90 cm.
South America; calm waters and floodplains of the Amazon basin and surrounding area.
Description
The silver arowana is a large, ancient freshwater fish of the bonytongue family (Osteoglossidae) from the Amazon and surrounding drainages in South America. The species grows to about 90 cm and has an elongate, laterally compressed, silvery body with large scales, a strongly upturned mouth and a pair of barbels at the chin. It lives just below the water surface and hunts fishes, insects and even prey it grabs by leaping from overhanging branches, hence the nickname 'water monkeys'. The silver arowana is a mouthbrooder: the male carries the large eggs and young in its mouth. The species is popular in the aquarium and harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Arawana?
The Arawana has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Strongly upturned mouth; leaps to snatch prey from overhanging branches and broods the eggs in its mouth.
Where does the Arawana live?
The Arawana lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America; calm waters and floodplains of the Amazon basin and surrounding area.
How big does the Arawana get?
The Arawana grows to a maximum of about 90 cm.
Is the Arawana dangerous to humans?
No, the Arawana is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Arawana edible?
The Arawana is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Osteoglossum
More from the family Osteoglossidae
Want the complete picture on the Arawana?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Arawana is one of 12,519 species in the app.