Dragonfish is actually a common name for several unrelated groups of fish. The common characteristic is their back is covered with bony plates that are fused except near the movable tail.
Arowana is a large freshwater dragonfish. Seven described species remain: three from South America, one from Africa and the remaining three from Australia.
Most are entirely carnivorous, often being specialized surface feeders. They are excellent jumpers and it has been reported that Osteoglossum species have been seen leaping more than 6 feet from the water surface to pick off monkeys from overhanging branches in South America. All species are large, and the Arapaima is a contender for the world's largest fish.
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