Arowana

To catch its prey, it folds its body into an "S" shape and suddenly flexes to propel itself out of the water, up to a height of more than a metre. If it swims in poorly oxygenated water, it can breathe air directly from the water's surface.

Where is the animal to be found?

The arowana is a freshwater fish that lives in the Amazon River and its major tributaries. It spreads in the flood waters of the Amazon rainforest during the rainy season.

How can it be recognised?

The mouth of the silver arowana is turned upwards to catch prey on the surface.

What is distinctive about it?

With arowana, fertilisation is external. Its particularity lies in the fact that the male collects the fertilized eggs and keeps them in its mouth. Juveniles stay there for a while for protection. The incubation period is 6 weeks, which includes the protection period.

Therefore, the male has a mouth with a fleshy lower lip and small teeth, as opposed to females.

Threat and protective measure

Its trade represents a significant economic asset for the rural population of the Amazon basin.