Fish · GBIF taxon 2354769
Golden Dorado
Salminus brasiliensisAlso known as Dourado, River Tiger, Jaw Characin, Dorado
Golden dorados are formidable apex predators of South American river basins, famous for their brilliant golden scales, powerful jaw structure, and explosive leaps. They migrate upstream in large shoals during the rainy season to spawn, navigating turbulent currents and rapids with exceptional swimming strength. These voracious hunters rely on keen eyesight and lateral line sensitivity to ambush smaller fish in fast-moving water.
PredatoryFreshwaterMigratory
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sábalo
- Tetras
- Crustaceans
Predators
- Caimans
- Giant Otters
ThreatsDam construction blocking migration, overfishing, habitat degradation
HabitatsLarge rivers, tributaries, and fast-flowing rapids
Life span15–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyBryconidae
- SpeciesSalminus brasiliensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Possesses sharp teeth and strong jaws; handle carefully with tools and keep hands away from the mouth.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with razor-sharp teeth set in powerful jaws that can easily puncture skin and cause deep lacerations.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by bright golden-yellow coloration, a robust head with a large mouth, and a dark stripe on the caudal fin.
- What to do
- Use mechanical lip grips and sturdy pliers during handling; never put fingers near the gills or jaws.
Responsible observation
- Angling Tool Use: Always use long-nosed pliers or dehooking tools to safely remove hooks without risking bites.
- Locating Fish: Look for active feeding along foam lines, tailraces, and fast currents near river obstructions.
- Catch and Release: Support the fish horizontally in deep water to fully revive it before releasing.
Primary Prey Co-occurring Predator Characiform Relative 
Characiform Relative (c) Marco Verch, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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