Fisherman is 'dragged' by 40 kg fish during capture in the Madeira River What seemed to be just another fishing trip ended in a power struggle between fisherman and fish in the Madeira River, in Porto Velho. Sport fisherman João Cordeiro was dragged for around 20 minutes by a pirarara weighing approximately 40 kilos during his capture attempt. ? The pirarara (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) is one of the largest leather fish in the Amazon. Known for its orange fins and strength, the species is one of the most coveted in sport fishing and is frequently found in Amazon rivers, especially in Rondônia. The capture was recorded on video by Cordeiro himself. In the images, he appears trying to control the fish while struggling to remove it from the water. After several minutes of dispute, the fisherman manages to complete the capture (see the video above). To g1, Cordeiro said that the fish was caught in a stretch of the Madeira River that passes through the urban area of ??Porto Velho, where there is intense boat traffic. According to him, the capture helps to show that large specimens can also be found in places close to the city. "Usually people think that, to catch a big fish, you have to go far away. So, catching a fish of this size within the city and by kayak is very difficult and rewarding at the same time", says Cordeiro. The fisherman claims that this was not the first time he captured a pirarara in the region. On the last day of 2025, he caught a specimen weighing more than 50 kilos, considered the largest fish he had ever caught. During the fight with the pirarara, Cordeiro says he was dragged by the river and had to pay extra attention because of the intense movement of boats. "There is a ferry that is gigantic and, if you don't notice it in time, you could end up being run over. Thank God, to this day I have never had to choose between catching a fish or avoiding a ferry. But, if that ever happens, I will cut the line, because my life always comes first." Because of the risks, the fisherman reinforces the importance of adopting safety measures to avoid accidents during fishing. Among the main recommendations, he highlights the use of a life jacket and constant attention to the movement of the river. "Always stay alert and wear a vest at all times. The Madeira River is a dangerous river, especially during this period of flooding", he recommends. Screen print taken of the moment a fisherman displays a 40kg fish in RO Personal archive