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Characins with Fangs
Subfamily Cynodontidae: The latin translation
for this name means "dog tooth". It's particularly appropriate for
these fast and aggressive piscivorous predators.
The huge pair of canines in the lower jaw is
accommodated by two holes to receive them in the upper. The huge
pectoral fins aid in propelling these fish rapidly upward when attacking
their prey. Prey are trapped behind the canines and then swallowed
hole. These fanged monsters prefer elongated prey from 30 - 50% of
their body length.
Payara can reach 40 lbs.
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Payara/Pirandira (Hydrolicus
armatus) are a ferocious migratory gamefish from the family Cynodontidae.
They are built somewhat like a large Atlantic salmon and share a similar
metallic silver sheen. The mouth of the payara is what sets them
apart from all other gamefish, as they sport an intimidating set of razor
sharp fangs which protrude from the lower jaw like two glistening ivory
framing nails.
Payara prefer to reside in extremely fast
water and take both lures and flies with such savage force that one can
easily rip the rod from your grasp if you are not paying close attention.
Once hooked, a large payara in fast current can effortlessly peel off 100-yards
of line or backing despite a thirty-pound leader, strong drag and stiff
rod. Payara also make repeated salmon-style jumps, adding to the
fish's sporting allure. Although payara receive much less press than
peacock bass, many anglers rate them above peacocks in terms of both sheer
strength, stamina and overall fighting ability (and that's saying something!)
Conventional gear for payara is virtually
the same as that mentioned in the trophy peacock bass and dorado sections
(wire leader is essential). Payara are usually not surface oriented
fish, so big Rapalas, 7-inch jerk baits, Rat-L-Trap type lures, spoons
and jigs are most productive.
Similar to the above-mentioned dorado, payara are fished with a slightly
heavier 9-10-weight fly rod and either a 300 or 400-grain, 24-foot sink
tip line depending upon water conditions. They usually cannot be
fished effectively with a full floating line, as they prefer to reside
in deep, fast current. A heavy mono leader tipped with stout steel
tippet is essential. Payara take a variety of large streamers, but
prefer heavily-dressed Cloussers and Muddlers tied on a 5/0 heavy saltwater
tarpon hook.
Many smaller species of payara/peixe-cachorro
(Hydrolicus and Rhaphiodon Sp.) are found throughout South America.
Although all are fast, vicious predators, most rarely exceed 5-pounds.
The best places to catch giant trophy payara are on the Urariquera river
in Brazil, Uraima Falls, the Caura River and several sections of the Orinoco
and Ventuari Rivers (all in Venezuela). |
Another World Class Fighter
Payara take the art of the fight to another level.
They combine some of the best characteristics known among fighting fish
to provide an extraordinary angling experience. 
Payara are extremely aggressive and strike with
intense power. They peel off line in long fast runs. And when
all else fails, they hurl their huge, slablike bodies high into the air.
If these fish were commonly found in the same "small-water" conditions
as peacock bass, they would rarely be landed.
For more information about payara, see our payara
home page.
Peixe-cachorro:
Rhaphiodon vulpinus, a smaller and more elongate
relative of the payara is common in the slower lowland waters of the Amazon
Basin. Like its larger, fast-water cousin, it's a fast, fierce predator. Readily
taken on flies, they are a pugnacious light-tackle target.
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