Arapaima (a.k.a. Pirarucu or
Paiche)
Arapaima gigas
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Range and habitat:
The arapaima is found in the Amazon River basin
of South America, which is tropical freshwater.
Natural diet:
The diet of the arapaima consists of fish and
other small animals, including birds. At The Toledo Zoo they are fed smelt,
capelin, trout, worms and shrimp.
Size / weight range:
The arapaima has been known to grown longer
than 8 feet and weigh at least 220 lbs. At The Toledo Zoo they have grown
to be 5 to 6 feet and weigh as much as 200 lbs.
Interesting facts:
The arapaima is one of the largest freshwater
fish in the world. The arapaima is an air-breathing fish and they are
able to survive extensive periods of drought by gulping air. They are
hunted for food by local human populations, and their bony scales are
used as nail files.
The arapaima is considered Data Deficient by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Location at The Toledo Zoo:
Aquarium
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