Arapaima gigas

Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822)

Arapaima gigas

Michael Goulding

View records in the observatory View images in the observatory

Common names

  • Bolivia: (Common names not yet available)
  • Brazil: Pirarucu, Bodeco
  • Colombia: Pirarucu, Paiche
  • Ecuador: Paiche
  • Peru: Paiche

Summary

The paiche is one of the largest freshwater fishes of the Amazon basin. This piscivorous predator can reach more than three metres in length and about 150 kg in weight. It has a modified swim bladder that allows it to breathe atmospheric air, so it must periodically rise to the surface. Historically it was one of the main predators of lakes and floodplains of the Amazon, although its populations have declined considerably in several regions due to fishing pressure.

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Teleostei
  • Order: Osteoglossiformes
  • Family: Arapaimidae
  • Genus: Arapaima
  • Taxon category: Species

Distribution

Potential paiche production is estimated at approximately 1,800 tonnes. Three regions account for 93% of potential production: the Peruvian Amazon (40%), the Brazil–Peru–Colombia Border (33%) and the Central Amazon (28%). It shows a local migratory pattern.

Threat status

Data Deficient (DD) IUCN

Reproduction

The spawning period occurs during the dry season and the beginning of the rising-water season.

Feeding

Fish predator (piscivorous).

Habitat

It mainly inhabits lakes, water bodies associated with floodplains and other aquatic environments of the Amazon basin. Its ability to breathe air allows it to survive in waters with low levels of dissolved oxygen.

Uses, management and conservation

It is one of the most important commercial species of the Amazon and is classified as first commercial class. Its market reaches international levels, with exports outside South America. Because of its large size and the need to rise regularly to the surface to breathe, it has historically been vulnerable to harpoon fishing. The reduction of its populations in several regions of the Amazon has driven various management and conservation initiatives.

References

(Not available)