Arawana
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
Also known as: Dragonfish, Silver Arowana, Water Monkey
- Dragonfish
- Silver Arowana
- Water Monkey
Overview
Found close to the shore, lurking, under overhanging branches, in rivers, and streams.
They feed on bats, birds, surface fish, and insects, catching their prey, by leaping out of the water.
South America - Amazon River basin, Rupununi and Oyapock Rivers
Valued aquarium fish although hard to keep!
The name "bonytongues" is derived from a toothed bone on the floor of the mouth, the "tongue", equipped with teeth that bite against teeth on the roof of the mouth. The arowana is a facultative air breather and can obtain oxygen from air by sucking it into its swim bladder.
How to identify
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Habitat & where to find it
- Country only · 4
Found close to the shore, lurking, under overhanging branches, in rivers, and streams.
Adult photos 4
Discussion
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Deep dive
More in the family
Osteoglossiformes





