Payara, scientifically known as Hydrolycus scomberoides, is a type of dogtooth tetra fish.
It’s a predator fish found in the Amazon Basin in tropical South America. It was the first species identified in its genus, called Hydrolycus.
Payara feeds on other fish in its natural habitat.
Payara Interesting Facts
- Payara, a dogtooth tetra predator, is native to the Amazon Basin in tropical South America.
- Known as Hydrolycus scomberoides, it was the first species identified in the Hydrolycus genus.
- This fish primarily feeds on other fish and grows up to 46.1 inches (117.0 centimeters) long in the wild.
- Payara prefers to live near the bottom of the water bodies and thrives in water temperatures between 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
Payara Habitat
Payara is a freshwater fish found in the Amazon River basin of South America.
It prefers to live close to the bottom of water bodies (benthopelagic) and thrives in tropical climates with water temperatures between 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
| Water Temperature: | 75°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C) |
| Water pH: | Unknown |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Payara Physical Characteristics
Size: 46.1 inches (117.0 centimeters)
Payara is a large fish. It grows up to 46.1 inches (117.0 centimeters) long in its natural environment.
However, in captivity, it doesn’t grow that large. The heaviest recorded Payara weighed 17.8 kg.
Payara Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Characiformes |
| Family: | Cynodontidae |
| Genus: | Hydrolycus |
| Scientific Name: | Hydrolycus scomberoides |
| Also Known As: | Payara |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |