Arapaima (Arapaima gigas) fish species and information / pictures of Arapaima - Arapaima gigas

Arapaima (Arapaima gigas) fish species information

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Scientific Name
Arapaima gigas

Common Name
Arapaima

Biology
Often referred to as the largest freshwater fish. Builds a nest of about 15 cm depth and 50 cm width in sandy bottoms. Spawns in April and May and guards the eggs and the young. Obligate air breather. The fish rises to the surface of the water and inspires air in a noisy, distinctive gulp, which is reported to carry for long distances. Threatened due to over harvesting.

Classification

Classified By

Schinz, 1822

Class

Ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygii)

Order

Bony tongues (Osteoglossiformes)

Family

Bonytongues (Arapaimidae)

Distribution

Region

South America

Distribution

South America: Amazon River basin. International trade restricted. The active fishing of this fish has reduced both the population size, and occurrence of large individuals, especially around the populated regions of the Amazon.

Range

5°N - 11°S

Environment

Climate

Tropical

Water Temperature From

25 °C

Water Temperature To

29 °C

Depth From - meters

Unknown m

Depth To - meters

Unknown m

Zone

demersal

Environment

Freshwater; ; pH range: 6.0 - 6.5; dH range: 10 - ? demersal

Trophic Level

4.5 s.e. 0.80 Based on diet studies.

Occurs in Marine / Salt water

False

Occurs in Brackish water

False

Occurs in Fresh Water

True

Occurs on Reefs

False

Is kept in Aquariums

True

Physical Size and Genetics

Maximum Length

450 cm

Common Length

200 cm

Phylogenetic Diversity Index

PD50 = 1.2500 many relatives (e.g. carps) 0.5 - 2.0 few relatives (e.g. lungfishes)

Human Uses and Population

Human Uses

Fisheries: commercial; aquaculture: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums

Vulnerability

Very high vulnerability (78 of 100)

Resilience

Low, minimum population doubling time 4.5 - 14 years (tm=4-6; Fec=47,000)

Threat To Humans

Harmless

IUCN Red List Status

Data deficient (DD)