Arapaima
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| Arapaima Conservation status: Data deficient | ||||||||||||||||
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| Arapaima gigas (Cuvier, 1829) |
The Arapaima (Arapaima gigas), also known as the Piracucu or Paiche, is the world's largest freshwater fish. It can reach lengths of up to 14.75 feet (4.5 m) and weigh up to 440 lbs (200 kg). Unfortunately it is one of the most sought after fish species in South America, often captured by spearing for exportation, so large Arapaima are seldom found anymore.
The Arapaima has also been introduced for fishing in Thailand. It is also considered an aquarium fish, although it obviously requires a large tank and ample resources.
The diet of A. gigas consists of other fish or even small animals, including birds. This fish is able to survive extensive drought periods by gulping air and burrowing in the mud or sand of the swamps.
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