The Black Arowana (Osteoglossum ferreirai) is a freshwater fish. It is also called the Black Dragon Fish or the Black Monkey Fish.
The Black Arowana has a long body, large black-coppery scales, and a tapered tail. Its back fins extend all the way to the tail. Its mouth has a downward slant and its bottom lip is large and protruded. It has a large dark eye.
It measures about 90 centimetres (35.5 inches) long.
The Black Arowana is native to the waters of South America, specifically in the Amazon, Essequibo, and Oyapock river basins. It prefers flooded forests.
It eats insects, crabs, shrimp, and small fish. It can jump out of the water to catch its prey.
The female lays 50-250 eggs, which hatch after about 60 days.
It lives for about 15 years in captivity.
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
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