Apapá, sometimes called Amazonian ladyfish or freshwater tarpon, are sleek, silver-bodied predators that dazzle anglers with their speed and acrobatics. Their streamlined shape, sharp forked tail, and habit of leaping when hooked make them a favorite light-tackle target in Amazonian rivers. Though not as large or famous as peacock bass or payara, Apapá offer plenty of excitement—especially for fly anglers and ultralight enthusiasts.

Found in fast-moving main channels, oxbows, and along sandbars, Apapá feed in schools and often attack small baitfish with ferocity. Their thin mouths make hook retention tricky, but their violent surface strikes and high-speed runs more than compensate for the challenge. While they are not commonly kept for food, locals appreciate their fight and occasionally target them in artisanal fisheries.