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The Angler's Guide to Payara
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.
ID Key: All species are recognizable as Cynodontidae by their oversized pectoral fins, oblique jaws and well-developed canines.
| Bars and Markings | Colors | Size | Key Characters | Similar Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | Mostly silvery fishes. Some coloration ranging from yellow to red on posterior fins. | Adults: Ranging in size from over 1 meter (H. armatus) to less than 100mm (Gilbertolus alatus). | arge canines oblique jaws laterally compressed bodies large pectoral fins |
13 species in 5 genera. 2 subfamilies; Cynodontinae and Roestinae |
| Known Range | Behavior Notes | Habitat | Common Names | IGFA records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries: Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Venezuela. Argentina, Uruguay River Basins: Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo, Uruguay and Parana drainages. |
Most species live in mid to surface waters in rivers, lakes and flooded forests. They are predatory and mostly piscivorous. | The most prized angling quarry, the giant payara, (Hydrolycus armatus) is typically pursued in fast water rivers and sometimes in their more lentic outflows. | 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. |
Fishing Tactics
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:
Giant Amazon Payara
Payara Species
Payara Trips
More Payara Info
Payara Articles
Find out about other Amazon fish groups
When you Travel With Acute Angling, It's Much More Than Just Fishing
Imagine casting your line into the mysterious and beautiful black waters of the Brazilian Amazon. Then imagine the explosive strike of one of the biggest Peacock Bass you've ever seen. Then picture yourself fighting and landing the world's greatest freshwater gamefish and the trophy you've been dreaming of. Imagine doing this for days on end, without intrusive interruptions, or hurrying off because you've run out of time.
With Acute Angling, you can experience the ultimate in peacock bass fishing trips. For over fifteen years, Acute Angling has been providing the very best fishing excursions in South America.
We've done all the research so you don't have to. From start to finish, we are there every step of the way to make sure you have the best sportfishing experience of your lifetime. We are there fishing with you and we'll help with techniques, tackle tips, and a full array of extras not found with run-of-the-mill fishing travel agencies or other outfitters.
We've investigated and studied the regions we'll be taking you to, so our knowledge will help you have an unparalleled experience. Acute Angling handles your complete travel program…from air travel, to entry visa, to pre-trip preparation and even travel insurance. Combine that with our specialized tackle packages and you'll have nothing to worry about except catching trophy peacock bass. Let us handle the details.
Now, just imagine it one more time: Holding up that incredible peacock bass that YOU wrestled out of the wild jungle-framed waters. Taking the photo and then releasing the beautiful animal back to the wild. Doesn't that feel good?
Let Acute Angling take you on the fishing trip of a lifetime!
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