Amazon Fish Species Guide
A Complete Angler’s Resource to the Amazon’s Most Fascinating Gamefish
The Amazon Basin holds the richest freshwater fish biodiversity on Earth—a living tapestry of apex predators, prehistoric giants, and bizarre creatures found nowhere else. For anglers, it’s a place of legendary strikes, unexpected battles, and fish stories that happen every day. But to fish the Amazon successfully, you need more than just gear—you need knowledge.
Acute Angling’s Amazon Fish Species Guide was created to deliver that knowledge. Built on decades of exploration, field research, and the expertise of professional guides, this in-depth resource gives anglers a deeper understanding of the remarkable fish that define our trips.
Every species profile is crafted with practical fishing advice, accurate biological details, and our firsthand observations—all structured to help you better recognize, target, and appreciate the incredible diversity of Amazon gamefish.
Each Profile Includes
Scientific and common names
Behavior, diet, and habitat
Physical appearance and how to identify similar species
Fishing tactics, including tackle and techniques
Where to catch them on Acute Angling trips
Fascinating ecological roles and angler notes
References and related reading
Species Categories We'll Cover
Peacock Bass – The crown jewel of Amazon sportfishing, including Cichla temensis, monoculus, orinocensis, pinima, and others
Amazon Catfish – From river giants like Piraíba and Redtail Catfish to aggressive fighters like Jau, Sorubim, and Jundiá
Exotic Predators & Other Gamefish – Payara, Arapaima, Bicuda, Dogfish, Wolf Fish, Matrinxã, Apapá, Curvina, and more
Rare and Unusual Species – Electric eels, stingrays, swamp eels, and lesser-known predators like Jacundá and Piraputanga
This Guide is for Anglers Who:
Want to understand the fish they’re pursuing—not just catch them
Appreciate accurate species info and local fishing insights
Are preparing for a trip and want to optimize their success
Love learning about unique fish behavior, adaptations, and ecosystems
Where the Guide Comes to Life
Every species in this guide can be caught on one or more of our expertly guided trips. Discover them in:
Related Reading
Peacock Bass Angling: A Quick Overview of Tactics and Techniques — Includes gear tips relevant for aggressive Amazon predators
Giant Catfish of the Amazon — Learn about the giants the lurk the waters below
Travel, Trip, and Evacuation Insurance; Don't Leave Home Without It — Advice to make sure your Amazon adventure is insured
Amazon Peacock Bass – The Ultimate Peacock Bass Fishing Experience in South America — Learn all about the most popular gamefish in the Amazon
Ready to fish for these amazing species yourself?
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Payara
The payara, often dubbed the "vampire fish," is a formidable predator native to South America's Amazon and Orinoco river systems. Renowned for its distinctive appearance and aggressive hunting tactics, the payara offers a unique experience for anglers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Physical Characteristics
The payara is easily identifiable by its elongated body and two prominent, saber-like fangs that can grow up to 6 inches. These fangs fit into sockets in the upper jaw, allowing the fish to impale its prey, primarily smaller fish.
Habitat and Behavior
Preferring deep, fast-moving waters below rapids and waterfalls, payaras are ambush predators. They lie in wait, using their sharp teeth to spear passing prey, earning them the nickname "vampire fish."
Fishing the Payara
Angling for payara is a thrilling endeavor. Anglers often use deep-diving lures, but payara are known to strike at shallow minnows, jerk baits, jigs, flies, soft plastics, and topwater baits.
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