Lean, toothy, and built for blistering speed, the dogfish is one of the Amazon’s most underrated and electrifying predators. Often called the “freshwater barracuda,” Acestrorhynchus falcirostris is a sleek, silver missile with a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth and a hair-trigger strike reflex. These predators belong to the Acestrorhynchidae family, a group of mid-sized characins known for their lightning-fast attacks and piscivorous diets.

Dogfish are most commonly encountered in clearwater tributaries and transitional whitewater rivers, where their stealthy vertical barring and translucent fins help camouflage them in open water. Although rarely the target of a fishing trip, they are a thrilling incidental catch—especially for anglers throwing small jigs, plugs, or streamers on light tackle. Their speed, aerial acrobatics, and cut-through-anything bite make them a standout on the fly or ultralight setup.