Acute Angling
Amazon Peacock Bass Fishing Trips with the World's Leading Authority
1 (866) 832-2987 · 1 (866) 431-1668
The Angler's Guide to Payara
Amazon Payara Taxonomy
Payara Classification Overview
| Taxonomic Grouping | Latin Descriptor | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia | animals |
| Phylum | Chordata | with spinal cords |
| Subphylum | Vertebrata | with back bones |
| Superclass | Gnathostoma | jawed vertebrates |
| Grade | Osteichthes | bony fishes |
| Class | Actinopterygii | ray-finned fishes |
| Division | Teleostei | completed bones |
| Subdivision | Ostarioclupeiomorpha | bone-shield-form |
| Superorder | Ostariophysi | bone-bladder |
| Series | Otophysi | ear-bladder |
| Order | Characiformes | Characins |
Payara belong to the order Characiformes.
Together with the Catfishes (Order Siluriformes), the Characins account for almost 90% of the fish species diversity of the Amazon. And diverse is exactly what they are, both morphologically and ecologically. They range in size from minuscule 13mm long tetras to 80 pound plus tambaqui and meter long payara and trairao. They range in shape from some of the roundest fish in the world to some of the most elongate. They include the curimatidae, bottom favoring detritus feeders with no teeth at all; to the piranhas, whose teeth we're all well aware of. They also include some of the mildest mannered community dwellers and aquarium favorites to some of the fiercest and most exciting gamefish in the world.
| Cynodontidae |  Highlighted by the fantastic payara, this family is readily recognized by their oblique mouths, exaggerated canines and their well-developed pectoral fins. Several species are encountered by anglers. Within the genus Hydrolicus, anglers pursue the giant payara (H. armatus) primarily in fast-moving rivers. Anglers may also encounter the smaller H. scomberoides in lowlands rivers. Both are known as pirandira in Brazil. The more elongate and more widely distributed Rhaphiodon vulpinus is also sought by anglers. Called biara or chafalote, they provide excellent sport on light tackle. |
|---|
| Cynodontidae | This subfamily of 8 species includes the genera Cynodon, Hydrolycus and Rhapiodon. These include the largest species and possess the longest canines of the family. |
|---|---|
| Cetopsidae | This subfamily of 6 species includes the genera Gilbertolus and Roestes. |
Preserved specimens photographed at INPA (National Institute of Amazon Research), Manaus, Brazil
References
Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors. 2009. FishBase. World Wide Web electronic publication. www.fishbase.org, version (06/2009).
Géry, J. 1977. Characoids of the world. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.
Mattox, G. M. T, Toledo-Piza, M., Oyakawa, O. T. and Armbruster, J. W., Taxonomic Study of Hoplias Aimara (Valenciennes, 1846) and Hoplias macrophthalmus (Pellegrin, 1907) (Ostariophysi, Characiformes, Erythrinidae), Copeia, 2006, 3, 516-528.
Nelson J, (2006) Fishes of the World. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, New Jersey, USA
Reis, R. E., S.O. Kullander, and C. J. Ferraris, Jr. (eds.) 2003. Check List of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. Pontificia Universidade Catolica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS. Brasil. 620-621.
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!
Copyright © 2011 Paul Reiss
All Rights Reserved