Dourado

Dourado is a Portuguese term meaning golden or gold-colored, and it is used to describe objects, colors, and animals with a gold-like appearance. In Brazilian Portuguese, dourado is also the common name for a large freshwater fish, Salminus brasiliensis, known in English as the golden dorado or dourado.

The golden dorado is native to South American river basins, particularly the La Plata system, which includes the Paraná, Uruguay, and upper Paraguay rivers, as well as some tributaries in Brazil. It is a large, predatory freshwater fish that inhabits main river channels and floodplains, typically preferring clear to moderately turbid waters. Adults prey on other fish and, less frequently, on invertebrates. The species is noted for its strength and resilience, making it a popular target for sport fishing in the region.

In fisheries and culture, the dourado is valued for both sport and food. Its populations face pressures from overfishing, habitat degradation, and dam construction in some areas, which has led to regional management responses such as catch limits, size restrictions, and protected areas to help sustain stocks.

Taxonomically, Salminus brasiliensis belongs to the family Characidae and the genus Salminus. The common name dourado is widely used in Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking areas; in Spanish-speaking contexts, the same fish may be referred to as dorado. The term dourado can also appear in broader contexts to describe other gold-colored species or objects.