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 |
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