Dourado

Descrição

Salminus brasiliensis, commonly known as Dourado or Golden Dorado, is a large, predatory freshwater fish belonging to the family Characidae. Renowned for its striking golden coloration, powerful musculature, and aggressive predatory behavior, it is a highly sought-after game fish. It is characterized by its robust, elongated body, large head, and powerful jaws armed with sharp, conical teeth. Dourado are apex predators in their native South American river systems, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

torpedo

Coloração

The most striking feature is its brilliant golden-yellow to orange coloration, particularly on the flanks and fins. The dorsal surface is typically darker, ranging from olive-green to brownish-gold. A distinct black spot is often present on the operculum (gill cover) and sometimes on the caudal peduncle. Juveniles may exhibit faint vertical bars that fade with age.

Tipo de escama

cycloid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Brilliant golden-yellow to orange coloration, Large, powerful head with a prominent lower jaw, Strong, conical teeth arranged in two rows on both jaws, Robust, muscular body adapted for powerful swimming and predation, Adipose fin present

Nadadeira dorsal

Single, relatively short dorsal fin located mid-body, typically with 10-11 soft rays. No spines.

Nadadeira caudal

Deeply forked caudal fin, powerful and symmetrical, providing propulsion for rapid bursts of speed.

Nadadeira peitoral

Paired pectoral fins are relatively small but strong, positioned low on the body.

Nadadeiras características

Pelvic fins are abdominal. Anal fin is relatively short, located posterior to the dorsal fin. An adipose fin (a small, fleshy fin without rays) is present between the dorsal and caudal fins, characteristic of characins.

Dicas de identificação

Habitat

Tipo de água

freshwater

Profundidade

Primarily found in the mid-water column to near the surface, especially in areas with strong currents, eddies, and submerged structures. They also inhabit deeper pools and channels.

Ambiente

Large, clear-water rivers and their major tributaries, including rapids, waterfalls, and areas with strong currents. They prefer well-oxygenated waters with rocky or sandy bottoms, often associated with submerged logs, fallen trees, and undercut banks that provide ambush points. They undertake extensive migratory movements for spawning.

Distribuição geográfica

Native to the Paraná, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Salado river basins in South America, spanning parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Its distribution extends from the upper Paraná River in Brazil down to the Río de la Plata estuary.

Informações sobre aquário

• Nível de cuidado: expert
• Temperamento: aggressive
• Alimentação: carnivore
• Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 2000 gallons (for adult specimens)
• Temperatura: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
• Nível de pH: 6.0-7.5
• Dureza da água: 5-15 dGH
• Compatibilidade: Not suitable for community tanks. Can be kept with other large, robust, and equally aggressive fish of similar size, but often best kept alone or in very large, species-specific exhibits.
• Requisitos especiais: Requires an exceptionally large aquarium with strong filtration and significant water movement. Live or fresh dead fish, large crustaceans, and high-quality carnivorous pellets should form the diet. Due to their size and predatory nature, they are rarely kept by private aquarists and are more commonly found in public aquariums.

Informações no ambiente natural

• Estado de conservação: least concern
• Sazonalidade: Spawning migrations typically occur during the warmer, rainy season (austral spring and summer), usually from October to March, when water levels rise and temperatures are favorable. Fishing regulations often include closed seasons during these periods to protect spawning aggregations.
• Preço de mercado: Varies, primarily valued as a sport fish rather than for commercial consumption. Live specimens for public aquariums can command high prices.
• Importância comercial: low
• Sabor: Firm, white, flaky flesh with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
• Textura: Firm and meaty.
• Métodos de preparo: Grilled, Baked, Fried, Smoked
• Valor nutricional: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

Fatos principais

Espécies similares

Classificação científica

Reino

Animalia

Filo

Chordata

Classe

Actinopterygii

Ordem

Characiformes

Família

Characidae

Gênero

Salminus

Espécie

Salminus brasiliensis

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