North American arowana (SciiFii)

The North American arowana (Osteoglossum americanum) is a species of freshwater bony fish of the family Osteoglossidae that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, lakes, and rivers across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the North American arowana is the silver arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum). The North American arowana has relatively large scales, a long body, and a tapered tail, with the dorsal and anal fins extending all the way to the small caudal fin, with which they are nearly fused. Its maximum total length is typically considered to be 0.9 meters (3.0 feet), but there are reports of individuals up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet). Unlike the black arowana and like the silver arowana, the North American arowana has the same coloring throughout its lifespan. Adults of the two species are very similar, but can be separated by meristics. North American arowanas are sometimes called 'dragon fish' by aquarists because their shiny, armor-like scales and double barbels are reminiscent of descriptions of dragons in East Asian folklore. The North American arowana is often called 'monkey fish' because of its ability to jump out of the water and capture its prey. It usually swims near the water surface waiting for potential prey. Although specimens have been found with the remains of birds, bats, mice, and snakes in their stomachs, its main diet consists of crustaceans, insects, smaller fish, and other animals that float on the water surface, which its drawbridge-like mouth is exclusively adapted for feeding on. The conservation status of the North American arowana is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American arowana's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.