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Other Payara - Family Cynodontidae
The family consists of 5 genera, with only 13 species recognized. Hydrolycus is prized by sports fishermen and grows the largest, over 1 meter and almost 40 pounds. Rhaphiodon can reach 650 mm but is lighter bodied, reaching about 8 pounds. Other genera rarely exceed 300 mm and include; Roestes Cynodon and Gilbertolus. |
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ID Key - All species are recognizable as Cynodontidae by their oversized pectoral fins, oblique jaws
and well-developed canines. |
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Identification Keys
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Bars and Markings
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| Varied within the family, however none of the 13 species possesses particulary noteworthy patterns or markings. Most have subtle dark patches, particularly on posterior fins. |
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Colors
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| Mostly silvery fishes. Some coloration ranging from yellow to red on posterior fins. |
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Size
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Adults: Ranging in size from over 1 meter (H. armatus) to less than 100mm (Gilbertolus alatus). |
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large canines
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oblique jaws |
laterally
compressed bodies
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large pectoral fins
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Similar Species
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13 species in 5 genera.
2 subfamilies; Cynodontinae and Roestinae
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Angler's Summary
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Known Range
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Countries: Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Venezuela. Argentina, Uruguay
River Basins: Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo, Uruguay and Parana drainages. |
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Behavior Notes
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| Most species live in mid to surface waters in rivers, lakes and flooded forests. They are predatory and mostly piscivorous. |
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Angling Habitat
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| The most prized angling quarry, the giant payara, (Hydrolycus armatus) is typically pursued in fast water rivers and sometimes in their more lentic outflows. |
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Common Names
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English: Most are called payara when encountered by anglers.
Local: An enormous variety of names, regionally applied and usually descriptive of their dentition and flat body shapes.
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Fishing Tactics
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The only species generally targeted is Hydrolycus armatus. For information on catching them see our menu above for more information. Other Cynodontidae are generally encountered by anglers pursuing peacock bass, giant payara or other larger Amazon predators
If you'd like to share information photos or fishing experiences, please contact us:
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