There are normally small spots visible on the upper anterior part of the body including the head, the patterning can vary geographically.

The Principle of Priority of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature therefore means that the name Hoplias aimara has precedence.

[5] Across most of northern South America, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname and the island of Trinidad.

It is mainly an ambush predator of fish but also feeds opportunistically on other animals that fall into the water such as terrestrial invertebrates.

It is known for the quality of its flesh and populations in many more settled parts of its range have been severely depleted due to fishing for food.