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Morphology
Benton is a miniature Aymara: with an average size of around 40 cm, it's a far cry from the impressive dimensions of its Guyanese cousin. Apart from this difference, the species of the Hoplias genus found in Bolivia are very similar to Hoplias aymara.
The body is fusiform, muscular and robust. The head is broad and massive, slightly flattened, with medium-sized eyes on either side of the upper half of the skull. Its wide-slit mouth may extend beyond the eye. The lower jaw is prognathic (longer than the upper jaw), enabling it to hunt perfectly in its preferred habitat: flooded vegetation. The numerous, sharp teeth are covered by a thin skin that ensures perfect camouflage. The coat of the Hoplias genus can vary enormously depending on the environment: brownish, gray, olive or even almost black tones, with more or less pronounced spots or mottling. Sexual dimorphism is almost imperceptible, limited mainly to a difference in abdominal volume.
Behavior
The benton is an opportunistic and rather strong carnivore. Anything within its reach can potentially end up as a meal. It hunts small fish, insects, invertebrates, small rodents and, more generally, any living thing in the water. It is an excellent stalking hunter, capable of remaining totally motionless for hours in the vegetation, waiting for prey to present itself. When the time comes, the attack is lightning-quick, leaving the victim with very little chance. The benton does not pursue its prey, nor does it move in search of food.
Habitat
It is a solitary, territorial fish that does not accept competition. It chooses a shelter (branch, weed, stone, etc.) and stays hidden all day long.
The great ability of the Hoplias genus to remain motionless means it requires little energy or oxygen. This characteristic enables it to colonize almost all aquatic habitats in the Amazon region. It can be found throughout the Paraná, Amazon and Orinoco watersheds, where it populates almost every water surface. Even the smallest waterhole can be home to a large Hoplias population.
Reproduction
Breeding is poorly documented, but it seems to take place during the rainy season, in the flooded forest. The usually solitary benton forms pairs and builds nests. They lay their eggs, which they protect until they hatch. Once the eggs have hatched, the parents go their separate ways, leaving the fry to fend for themselves. Cannibalism is widespread among the different species of Hoplias.
Hoplias spp. is an emblematic species of the Amazon; it can be found everywhere and its aggressive attacks on the plant cover make it a magnificent sport fish. Its tremendous adaptability makes it one of the most prolific species in the Amazon basin. It is both a formidable predator and an important player in the diet of many species. Despite this, it is one of the least studied genera in the Amazon basin.
