Hydrolycus armatus
Hydrolycus armatus is a species of dogtooth characin found in freshwater of tropical South America. It is sometimes known as the black-tailed payara, payara, silver payara',' or harm, a name it shares with the related H. scomberoides and H. tatauaia.
This predatory fish occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade, but it requires a very large tank. In its native range it is considered a major gamefish.
Distribution and habitat
This species of fish is found in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo Basins in tropical South America. They are found in several different freshwater habitats, but often in fast-flowing water. They are typically found in deeper waters during the day. The species is locally common; in a major study of a Venezuelan floodplain river, of the collected fish were H. armatus, and the species was particularly common in creeks and lagoons. At least some populations are migratory.Description
Hydrolycus armatus is overall silvery. In adults, the base of the tail and anal fin are pale yellowish, and the distal part is blackish, contrasting with a narrow white edge at the very tip.A typically reported maximum total length of this fish is, but records show specimens up to in Venezuela and more than in Brazil. It typically weighs up to, but can reach almost. It has frequently been confused with the generally smaller H. scomberoides. H. armatus reaches maturity when at least long. Like other dogtooth characins, it has very long pointed canine teeth. In H. armatus these can surpass in length in large individuals. These are used for spearing their prey, usually other fish.