Latin Name:  Hydrolvcus scomberoides

General Size:  30" x 8"

One of the better-known toothy creatures found in South American Rivers, the Payara is found in the family Cynodontidae. This silvery carnivore tends to feed on other fishes and will look for other prey of opportunity. Also known as the "Vampire Fish" the Payara have excessively long teeth protruding from its lower jaw. Apparently, part of its main diet consists of Piranhas, which are speared on the enlarged lower teeth of the Payara. The lower jaw teeth are so large in fact (the teeth shown here are 1.5 inches long) that the upper jaw has a special conical slot into which the teeth fit when the fish closes its mouth.

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