Fauna
Species

Black-tailed Payara

Hydrolycus armatus

Also known as Silver Payara, Payara, Harm

Black-tailed payaras command fast-flowing rivers across tropical South America, striking down open-water prey with lightning acceleration. Two elongated lower fangs fit neatly into special sockets inside the upper jaw, allowing these formidable predators to swallow fish nearly half their own length. During high water, adults migrate into flooded river channels and deep eddies to follow large schools of migratory fish.

PredatoryFreshwaterRiverine
Black-tailed Payara reference
(c) Secundus Zephyrus, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPiranhas, Tetras, Prochilodus
Predators
  • Black Caiman
  • Giant River Otter
  • Amazon River Dolphin
ThreatsOverfishing, dam construction, and habitat degradation
HabitatsFast-flowing rivers, rapids, and deep river channels
Life span8–12 years
Classification
  1. FamilyCynodontidae
  2. SpeciesHydrolycus armatus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Sharp fangs and powerful jaws can cause severe puncture wounds; handle with extreme caution if unhooked.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses two massive, dagger-like lower teeth that easily puncture skin and cause deep tissue lacerations.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Identified by a silver compressed body, dark tail edging, and prominent lower fangs protruding past the upper lip.
What to do
Never place hands near the mouth; use extra-long pliers and sturdy lip tools if unhooking.
Responsible observation
  • Angling Precautions: Use long-handled tools and wire leaders to keep hands clear of the dangerous lower fangs.
  • Habitat Spotting: Look for active feeding strikes in oxygen-rich water directly below turbulent river rapids.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…