Biara | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Characiformes |
Family: | Cynodontidae |
Subfamily: | Cynodontinae |
Genus: | Rhaphiodon |
Species: | R. vulpinus |
Binomial name | |
Rhaphiodon vulpinus Spix & Agassiz, 1829 |
The biara (Rhaphiodon vulpinus) is a South American piscivorous fish in the dogtooth characin family. It belongs to the monotypic genus Rhaphiodon, although some minor differences in morphometrics and colour are known from across its large range. It is found in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Río de la Plata Basins, as well as rivers of the Guianas.
It reaches up to 80 cm (2.6 ft) in length and 2.1 kg (4.6 lb) in weight. Like other dogtooth characins, the biara has very long pointed canine teeth, but it is easily separated from its relatives by its very elongated and streamlined body shape.
The biara occasionally makes its way into the aquarium trade, but it requires a very large tank.