Arawana
📖 Overview
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 .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
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 .: elongated; Cross section: oval.
🌀 Behaviour
The species is also called 'water monkey' because of its ability to jump out of the water and capture its prey. It usually swims near the water surface waiting for potential prey. Although specimens have been found with the remains of birds, bats, mice, and snakes in their stomachs, its main diet consists of snails, crustaceans (such as crabs), insects (such as beetles), spiders, smaller fish, and other animals that float on the water surface, for which purpose its drawbridge-like mouth is adapted.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Arawana is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
The male carries eggs, larvae and early juveniles (alevinos) in his mouth , which lasts for nearly six weeks .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical; 24°C - 30°C South America: Amazon River basin, Rupununi and Oyapock Rivers.
🌿 Ecology
fish at the surface
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Arawana is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked — Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 16.6 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 284 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Arawana has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ischnosoma bicirrhosum | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Osteoglossum arowana | Jardine | 1841 | Synonym |
| Osteoglossum bicirrhostum | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
| Osteoglossum bicirrhosum | Spix & Agassiz | 1829 | Heterotypic |
| Osteoglossum minus | Valenciennes | 1847 | Synonym |
| Osteoglossum vandellii | Cuvier | 1829 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) — 28 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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