Characteristics: the Dorado Has Been Often Referred to As the “Tigre De Rio” Or Jaguar of the River to Be More Accurate
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Dorado or Golden Dorado- Classification: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Characiformes Family: Characidae Genus: Salminus Species: maxillosus Binomial name: Salminus maxillosus Others: Salminus cuvieri, Salminus brasiliensis Characteristics: The dorado has been often referred to as the “tigre de rio” or jaguar of the river to be more accurate. They possess a bright golden coloration, accented by rows of tiny small back dots running along their powerful streamlined bodies. Their fins have a bright red coloration and the caudal fin has a black bar along the middle through the caudal peduncle. Their massive jaws are equipped with rows of razor sharp pointy teeth, living up quite accurately to its local nickname. Dorado can reach upwards of 100cm in length and weigh as much as 45lbs (20.5kgs), more commonly in the 22-33lb (10-15kg) range. Tabarana, the silver dorado- Classification- Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Characiformes Family: Characidae Genus: Salminus Species: hilarii Binomial name: Salminus hilarii Others: Characteristics: This species is a close relative of the dorado, and shares many of its morphological features. However, this fish is smaller in average size, and has less girth. It is silver with bright orange specks between scales, and black and red accents on the caudal fin, as well as black accents on the dorsal and anal fins. This is why it is called the “white or silver dorado” in much of its range. This species is quite aggressive and preys upon smaller tetras and other baitfish such as sabalo (Prochilodus sp.). Its sharp teeth make quick work of the smaller characins in the river system. It can reach sizes of 3kgs but average size are less than 2kgs. The tabarana is a great sporting fish, putting up a fierce fight and jumping repeatedly in efforts to spit your hook out. Yatorana- Classification- Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Characiformes Family: Bryconidae Genus: Brycon Species: moorei Binomial name: Brycon moorei Others: B. cephalus, B. sp. Characteristics: The yatorana is a schooling fish, but can be found individually along the river shores. It is similar to the dorado in feeding behavior and habitat requirements, which is why they often share the same waters. The yatorana is a piscivore, feeding on small invertebrates and baitfish. It is a silvery fish, with an olivaceous tinge dorsally and a shade of black on the ventral posterior end of the body. The extremities of the fins are all a pale reddish color. These fish are built for speed and fast water, so they will be found in fast flows among structure, runs and heads and tails of deep pools. Also, they hunt around structure on the shoreline and next to rock drop offs. These are very acrobatic fish, jumping and clearing water repeatedly before being landed. This species can reach lengths of up to 50cm and up to 5kg (11lbs). Pacu or Pirapitinga- Classification- Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Characiformes Family: Characidae Genus: Piaractus Species: brachypomus Binomial name: Piaractus brachypomus Others: P. mesopotamicus, Colossoma macropomum Characteristics: When mature, these fish can range from a silvery gray, to yellowish ventrally, and a dark gray to dark silvery dorsal region. C. brachypomum will have the distinctive red in the belly. They are large and oval shaped, able to negotiate strong currents. Being an omnivore, it possesses strong robust teeth and jaws, used to crack nuts from falling fruit. These fish are present around overhanging fruiting trees, and deep pools and eddies. They will go slightly carnivorous during the dry season, chasing baitfish, insects and taking advantage of any carrion that becomes available. They can measure up to 50cm and weigh anywhere between 6-25lbs. Surubi or striped catfish- Classification- Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Siluriformes Family: Pimelodidae Genus: Pseudoplatystoma Species: fasciatum Sub-species: Sorubiminae Binomial name: Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum Others: Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum, P. corruscans, P. magdaleniatum , P. punctifer, P. reticulatum Characteristics: This has to be one of the most beautifully patterned catfish in the world. Species of Pseudoplatystoma have black markings as either vertical lines, a maze of lines, or spots. They are on the dorsal side of the body, which is typically a bluish gray, and sometimes darker gray coloration. The ventral side of the body is white, sometimes showing some accents of pinkish red on the extreme of the lower body fins. Their rostrum is elongated, in a shovel like shape, with the eyes located on the upper side. They are very “shark-looking”, and actually are voracious roving predators. In Bolivia, this species of catfish can reach up to 40kgs (88lbs) and 1.5 meters in length, although more commonly caught in the 10- 30kg range. Muturo or Jau- Classification- Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Siluriformes Family: Genus: Zungaro Species: zungaro Binomial name: Zungaro zungaro Characteristics: This giant catfish can be caught in two color phases; petroleum green or lighter (muturo), and can also be of bright yellow coloration, when they are referred to as “amarillo”. Some display very faint dark spots along the body, and others are solid color. They have huge gaping mouths and accommodate large plates of tiny sharp teeth used to secure prey, as is the norm for most large Amazonian catfishes. Heavier than longer, these fish are stocky, and can achieve huge sizes. They are carnivorous, attacking prey such as smaller catfishes and sabalo baitfish, or boga. They are found in rivers and dwell in the deep holes formed by large eddies or deep holes around rocks and boulders. They are found in stained and clear water rivers. This giant can weigh up to 100kg and a reach lengths of up to 2 meters. Sabalo- Classification- Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Characiformes Family: Prochilodontidae Genus: Prochilodus Species: lineatus Binomial name: Prochilodus lineatus Characteristics: Sabalo are a silvery schooling fish, and their main characteristic is their protractile mouth with huge lips that form an oral disc when projected. With tiny rasping teeth, they scrape off detritus and algae from structure, and also pick it up from floating or suspended substrate. This fish takes part in huge migrations for spawing in the headwaters of rivers. This species forms the basic prey item of the river, being that every predatory fish in the river will eat this species at differing stages of its growth. This species can be anywhere from less than a pound to 7kgs. .