Arapaima

The Arapaima (Arapaima gigas), also known as pirarucu, is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, native to the Amazon River Basin. This species is distinctive not only for its... The Arapaima (Arapaima gigas), also known as pirarucu, is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, native to the Amazon River Basin. This species is distinctive not only for its size but also for its bony, armored scales and its ability to breathe air due to a primitive lung. Arapaimas are obligate air breathers, needing to surface every 15 to 20 minutes. They primarily consume fish but are known to eat birds and small mammals that venture close to the water’s edge. Due to overfishing and habitat loss, Arapaimas are considered threatened in the wild, although they are increasingly farmed for food and conservation purposes. Click here to read more about Arapaima.