arawana

fish
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://mainten.top/animal/arawana
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites
Also known as: Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

arawana, (species Osteoglossum bicirrhosum), freshwater fish of tropical South America in the family Osteoglossidae (order Osteoglossiformes). Arawanas seldom reach lengths of more than 60 cm (2 feet) but are regarded as superb sports fish and highly edible. In appearance they have large scales and long dorsal and anal fins that almost join with the tail fin. The lower jaw angles upward to a point above the eyes, and two long, filamentous barbels extend forward from the chin. Arawanas are believed to be mouth brooders, the female carrying the eggs in her mouth until they hatch.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.