Payara

Hydrolycus armatus 

Habitat & Distribution :  South America 

Diet: Fish 

Size : 90 cm 

Lifespan: 

Description

It has an unforgettable appearance, with two large fangs. Due to its unique, flattened body shape, it spends most of its time moving against the current of the water, waiting for prey to pass by. 

Behavior

It uses its fangs as well as its quick reflexes to stab its prey, which can reach half its body size 

Reproduction

In the wild, they migrate upstream, forming massive schools, and reproduce between November and April. 

Communication & Perception

They are social predators that primarily communicate through physical behavioral cues, specialized movement, and environmental interactions 

Predator(s)

Caiman, larger fish