Fish
Golden Dorado
Salminus brasiliensis · also called river tiger
Leaping clear of the water in a burst of golden scales, a hooked golden dorado puts up a fight that has earned it the nickname river tiger among anglers across South America’s major river systems.
Overview
The golden dorado, Salminus brasiliensis, is a Least Concern freshwater fish native to the Parana-Paraguay river system across Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay. As an apex predator with striking golden scales and a famously spectacular fighting style, it ranks among South America’s most prized sport fish.
A fighter worth the name river tiger
Hooked anglers quickly learn why the golden dorado earned its nickname, as the fish repeatedly leaps clear of the water in powerful, acrobatic bursts, a fighting style few other freshwater fish can match.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread across its native river systems, though localized declines occur in stretches where dam construction has blocked its migration routes.
Golden Dorado: common questions
Why is the golden dorado called the river tiger?
Its aggressive, powerful fighting style when hooked by anglers, combined with its predatory nature within its river ecosystem, earned it the nickname river tiger.
Why is the golden dorado popular with anglers?
It is famous for leaping clear of the water repeatedly when hooked, a spectacular and challenging fight that has made it one of South America's most sought-after sport fish.
What does the golden dorado eat?
It is an apex predator, feeding on smaller fish within the river systems it inhabits.
Where is the golden dorado found?
It is native to major river systems across Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Uruguay, centered on the Parana-Paraguay river basin.