Arapaima: The Giant of the Amazon
The arapaima (Arapaima gigas), also known as the pirarucu or paiche, is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, native to the Amazon and Essequibo basins in South America. These sleek, torpedo-shaped giants can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length and weigh over 200 kilograms (440 pounds). Known for their striking black and red scales, arapaima are not only powerful swimmers but also unique air-breathers, surfacing regularly to gulp oxygen from the air using a modified swim bladder.
Arapaima have fascinating behaviors: the male guards eggs in his mouth, while the female protects him and their offspring from predators. They are also top predators, feeding on fish, crustaceans, and even small land animals near the water. In South America, their scales are used as nail files, and their meat, often called the “cod of the Amazon,” is a delicacy. With their mesmerizing size and adaptations, these ancient fish are a true marvel of evolution!
