This species is found 2.5 kilometers from the Rupununi and Oyapoque River in South America, as well as in calm waters in Guyana. This fish has relatively large scales, a long body, and a tapering tail, with the dorsal and anal fins extending all the way to the small caudal fin, with which they are almost fused. It can grow to a maximum size of 120 centimeters (47.2 in). Unlike the black arawana, the silver arawana has the same colors throughout its life. The species is also known as Monkeyfish due to its ability to jump out of the water and capture its prey. It usually swims near the surface of the water waiting for its potential prey. Although samples have found remains of birds, bats and snakes in their stomachs, their main diet consists of crustaceans, insects, small fish and other animals that float on the surface of the water, so their drawbridge, like their mouth, is exclusively adapted for food. Arowanas are sometimes called dragonfish by aquarists because their shiny, armor-like scales and barbels are reminiscent of the description of dragons in Asian folklore.