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The Angler's Guide to Payara
Biara—Rhapiodon vulpinus—(Spix & Agassiz, 1829)
Rhapiodon is widely distributed throughout most of South America's major river basins. Looking like a stretch version of a payara (Hydrolycus spp.), the biara is a ready adversary for anglers, aggressively striking artificial lures often meant for other species. The specimen at right weighed 6 pounds and would have been a world record had we had solid ground to weigh it on. We've seen them even larger, exceeding 8 pounds.
ID Key: Silvery, elongate body. Unique ribbon-like whiskers.
| Bars and Markings | Colors | Size | Key Characters | Similar Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Occasional, irregular black or dark markings ventrally, otherwise fairly uniform coloration. | Body silvery above. Abdomen white. | Adults: Said to exceed one meter in length and reach 18 pounds | Long, flat whiskers |
| Known Range | Behavior Notes | Habitat | Common Names | IGFA records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries: Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Venezuela. River Basins: Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo and Parana drainages. |
Said to be migratory within freshwater systems. | Primarily occupies lotic (moving water) environments in highlands river systems. | English: Flatwhiskered catfish Local: Barba-chata |
16 pounds 15 oz. Rio Xingu 2001 |
Fishing Tactics
In highlands rivers, often caught while targeting jundia.
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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