Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
arawana
(Also: arowana; green arawana)

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum are native to the Amazon drainage system, the western Orinoco and the Rupununi and Essequibo systems of the Guianas. When found in other locations it is because of introduction by man. For example, they have been introduced in secluded areas of California and Nevada. It is also thought that the fish have not distributed themselves further up river because they cannot pass through rapids successfully. (Goulding, 1980; Nico and July 18, 2000)

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum live in both the white and black water floodplains of the Amazon as documented in a recent study of the fish communities. In both types of water they were most abundant in the flooded/swamp areas. Osteoglossum bicirrhosum are usually found in the shallower of these waters because of their predatory behavior. (Goulding, 1980; Saint-Paul et al., March 2000)

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum are characterized by remarkable scale arrangements in which the scales are large, stout, bony and ornamented in a way that the radii form a course pattern. The scales are a pearly silver in color and change to reds, blues and greens as the fish ages. They are also well known for their bony tongue, after which it is named. Osteoglossum bicirrhosum are laterally compressed with a huge oblique mouth. Many oral bones bear teeth, including the jaw, palate, tongue and pharynx. They reach a maximum length of about 120 cm. (Goulding, 1980; Nico and July 18, 2000)

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum have a unique predatory behavior. They stay close to shore and wait for prey to swim by. They usually keep lateral with a downed tree, to hide. Then they attack their prey, which usually involves jumping out of the water, to either catch large insects, other fish, or small birds in low hanging branches. This behavior has earned the fish the nickname "water-monkey" (Goulding 1980).

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum are not picky eaters. In a study of their stomach contents, the majority of food items included insects and spiders, most of which were beetles. Also found in the stomachs were crabs, snails, fish, birds, snakes, monkey feces and plant material. It is thought that the snakes and monkey feces were consumed during a flooding. The plant material was probably a result of the predatory behavior of the fish, as explained below (Goulding 1980).

Unknown

Osteoglossum bicirrhosum are of great economic value to the local fisherman. According to Junk (1976) these fish provide the largest source of protein in comparison to other Amazon fish. Also, because of its low fat content, they are considered the most digestable and least likely to bring about sickness. Osteoglossum bicirrhosum are also of great value in the aquarium business, as noted by the sale of them on many commercial internet sites (Foeshe 2000, Smith 1981).

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Osteoglossum bicirrhosum is thought by the Caboclo people of the Amazon to be very beneficial to women after they have recently given birth. In fact, they are one of the few things women are allowed to eat during this vulnerable point in life (Goulding 1980).