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Classification / Names 
Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) > Characiformes (Characins) > Ctenoluciidae (Pike-characids)

Size / Weight / Age
Max length : 88.0 cm FL male/unsexed; max. published weight: 6,000 g.

Environment
Freshwater; pelagic

Climate / Range
Tropical

Geographical Distribution : South America: Amazon River, Tocantins River, Orinoco River, Essequibo River, Oyapock River [= Oiapoque] and rivers of Amapá and Pará, Brazil.

Short description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; dorsal soft rays (total): 10-11; anal spines: 0; anal soft rays: 9 - 11; vertebrae: 48 - 49. The location of the dorsal fin base distinctly anterior to the vertical through the anal fin origin distinguishes this species from all ctenoluciids except B. lucius and B. xyrekes, from which it can be distinguished by the discrete black spot on the basal portions of the caudal fin rays, and also by different pigmentation on the body.

Biology
It usually inhabits areas with rapid water, always on the surface, behind obstacles like rocks and logs. Some small-sized individuals occur in calmer waters such as lakes, small bays. It occurs solitary or forms small schools. It is a carnivorous fish with a preference to eat other fish.