Volume 32, Plate XXVII / Ichthyology (Fish)

Haimura

Erythrinus macrodon

One of the most delicious freshwater fishes of Guiana, with a produced lower snout, large skin-margined deciduous scales, wide mouth, and acute lower teeth, its compressed body tapering suddenly to the tail and reaching three and a half to four feet. Caught near falls and rapids by hook, traps, and ingenious sinking bark cylinders baited with live fish, it is firm-fleshed and so numerous in season as to be the Indians’ chief food, with powerful jaws capable of severe wounds.