Payara (Hydrolycus scomberoides)

Scientific name: Hydrolycus scomberoides Cuvier, 1819

Payara (Hydrolycus scomberoides)

The Payara (Hydrolycus scomberoides) is a freshwater fish of the family Cynodontidae that grows to about 117 cm (46 in). It is difficult to keep and peaceful and needs a tank of at least 475 L (125 US gal), water at 24–28°C (75–82°F) and a pH of 6.0–8.0. Native range: South America, Amazon River basin.

Payara care at a glance

Care level
Difficult
Temperament
Peaceful
Adult size
117 cm (46 in)
Minimum tank
475 L (125 US gal)
Temperature
24–28°C (75–82°F)
pH
6.0–8.0
Hardness
8–15 dGH (143–268 ppm)
Diet
Carnivore

Biology

Apparently carnivorous, probably ichthyophagous. Maximum length reported to reach 40 cm TL.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Hydrolycus scomberoides
Family
Cynodontidae (Dogtooth characins)
Order
Characiformes (Characins)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
117
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
South America: Amazon River basin.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Not Evaluated
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: minor commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums

More tetras & characins

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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