Pirarara

Length Category:  Large (>100 cm)

Trophic Level:  Omnivore

Migratory Pattern:  Medium Distance (100-1,000 km)

Spawning Period:  Low + Rising

Export Market:  National (outside Amazon)

Market Status:  Second class

Catch Distribution:

Pirarara potential yield was estimated to be almost 900 tons. Four fishery regions accounted for 93% of its potential yield: Brazilian-Colombian-Peruvian Border (42%), Central Amazon (21%), Lower Amazon (17%) and Peruvian Amazon (13%).

Natural History Notes:

The pirarara is an omnivorous species that feeds heavily on fleshy fruits in flooded forests but also takes crabs and fish, the last especially during the low water period. The species is not captured in large schools but it is still unclear whether it migrates since young fish have never been found in blackwater and clearwater rivers. It is possible that pirarara migrate down blackwater and clearwater tributaries to spawn in whitewater rivers.