Aruanã

Length Category:  Medium (40-100 cm)

Trophic Level:  Predator-Insects/Spiders

Migratory Pattern:  Local (<100 km)

Spawning Period:  Rising

Export Market:  Regional (in Amazon)

Market Status:  Second class

Catch Distribution:

Aruanã potential yield was estimated to be approximately 1,800 tons. Aruanã yield is greatest in the Central Amazon region (77%), followed by the Peruvian Amazon region (16%) and Lower Amazon (6%).

Natural History Notes:

Aruanã includes two commercial fish species, Osteoglossum bicirrhosum and O. ferreirai. The latter is confined mostly to the Negro River and only rarely enters the Manaus market. Aruanã are also ornamental species. Mouth-brooding is practiced by the male. Aruanãs feed mostly on insects, spiders and small fishes.