More Than Peacock Bass
The peacock bass may be the headliner, but it isn’t the only thing swimming beneath the surface.
The rivers of the Brazilian Amazon are full of surprises. On any given fishing adventure, anglers may encounter powerful catfish, prehistoric-looking arowana, toothy piranha, bizarre payara, eels—and even caiman watching from the shoreline.
Part of the fun of fishing the Amazon is never knowing exactly what might show up next.
What else lives in these waters?
Arowana
Arowana are one of the Amazon’s most recognizable fish, with long, sleek bodies and an almost prehistoric appearance. Seeing one roll near the surface—or bringing one alongside the boat—is another reminder that these waters are unlike anywhere else.
Catfish
From broad-headed river giants to smaller species lurking in deeper water, catfish are part of the Amazon fishing experience. They add a completely different kind of fight—and occasionally an unexpected catch—to a day spent targeting peacock bass.
Piranha
Few Amazon fish have a reputation quite like the piranha. Their famously sharp teeth make them instantly recognizable, but catching one also gives anglers a chance to see one of the river’s most iconic residents up close.
Pirarucu
One of the Amazon’s most impressive freshwater fish, the pirarucu is a massive, ancient-looking species known for its size, strength and unmistakable red-marked scales. Seeing one in the wild is a reminder of just how extraordinary these rivers are.
Electric Eel
The electric eel is one of the most unusual animals anglers may encounter in its waterways. They're not what most fishermen travel here hoping to put on the end of a line, but seeing one is another reminder of just how wild this ecosystem is.
Caiman
Sometimes the memorable encounters aren't on the end of a fishing line at all. Caiman inhabit Amazon rivers, lakes and wetlands and may be spotted along the banks or in the water while traveling through the region.
