arapaima
| Scientific name | Arapaima gigas |
|---|---|
| Descriptor | Schinz |
| Year of description | 1822 |
| IUCN category | DD |
| Family | Arapaimidae |
| Genus | Arapaima |
Introduction
Arapaima gigas, commonly known as arapaima, is a fresh water fish from the Amérique du Sud.
Who is it?
Morphology
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Average size200 cm
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Maximum size450 cm
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Longevity20 year
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ShapeOval
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Average size200 cm
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Maximum size450 cm
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Longevity20 year
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ShapeOval
How to recognize the arapaima ?
The arapaima measures around 200 cm. The females are more imposing and some specimens can reach 450 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly gris body.
Sexual dimorphism
The female is bigger than the male.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilityliving in small groups
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territorialNo
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Way of livingdiurnal
The arapaima hunts in the stalk and is one of the predators of its biotope. Opportunistic, it does not hesitate to attack any smaller animal nearby.
The arapaima is a fish living in small groups naturally found mid-depth and near surface. This species is carnivorous .
Although the arapaima is non-territorial, it is sometimes aggressive towards other species.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert
The arapaima is a fish ovipare qui pond sur substrat découvert. This fish protects its eggs from nearby predators.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
Where to see this species?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature24 - 28 °C
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pH (acidity)5.8 - 7
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gh (hardness)5 - 12
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FlowMedium, Slow and Stagnant
Biotope presentation
This animal evolves in areas characterized by a strong presence of vegetation (aquatic and marsh plants, decaying organic matter, roots...).
To go further
To read on the web
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Robert Allgayer
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
In collaboration with : Fédération Française Aquariophilie
Where to see this species?
Species of the same biotope
Scientific partners