Osteoglossum bicirrhosum (Cuvier, 1829)
Arawana
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
photo by Muséum-Aquarium de Nancy/B. Alenda

Family:  Osteoglossidae (Arowanas)
Max. size:  90 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 6,000.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Amazon River basin, Rupununi and Oyapock Rivers.
Diagnosis:  Body covered with very big scales; dorsal and anal fins almost fused with the caudal fin; 2 barbels at the extremity of the lower jaw; adult silvery, juvenile with blue glints and a yellow-orange bar (Ref. 12225).
Biology:  Is an omnivore with a tendency to feed on fish at the surface. The superior position of the mouth allows it to capture its prey while swimming from below. Also jumps out of the water to feed on large insects (Coleoptera; Ref. 27548). It is capable of adapting to environments with low oxygen levels (Ref. 12225).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 04 November 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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