Arapaima arapaima is a giant freshwater fish from the Amazon, closely related to Arapaima gigas. It is known for its immense size, air-breathing ability, and armored scales.
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Arapaima arapaima is a giant freshwater fish from the Amazon, closely related to Arapaima gigas. It is known for its immense size, air-breathing ability, and armored scales.
Long, torpedo-shaped body with dark green to black coloration and reddish highlights near the caudal region. Large, armored scales with metallic sheen.
15–20 years in the wild; can exceed 25 years in captivity
Carnivorous; consumes fish, crustaceans, insects, and sometimes small mammals or birds.
Arapaima arapaima is an awe-inspiring prehistoric fish, suited only for massive aquariums or ponds. Its size, diet, and environmental needs make it one of the most challenging freshwater fish to maintain.
Expert only
10,000+ gallons (public aquariums or large ponds required)
6.0–7.5
2–12 dGH
75–86°F (24–30°C)
9–10 feet
Only extremely large fish species such as giant catfish, arowana, or pacu in suitably large tanks.
All smaller fish (they will be eaten); unsuitable for typical aquarium communities.
Arapaima arapaima
Arapaimidae
Amazon River Basin, South America
Generally solitary; may be kept in pairs or small groups in vast enclosures.
Feeds on live fish, crustaceans, and can adapt to frozen or prepared meaty diets in captivity.
Egg layer; males guard nests and protect fry during early stages.
Breeds in the rainy season, depositing eggs in nests dug into shallow sandy bottoms. Male provides parental care.
pH: 6.0–7.5, Temperature: 75–86°F, Hardness: 2–12 dGH
Stress-related diseases, skin parasites, and susceptibility to poor water quality.
Predatory, calm but territorial in limited space. Requires very large enclosures.
Powerful, surface-oriented predator. Peaceful towards larger tank mates but requires vast swimming space. Can jump out of enclosures if not covered.
Arapaima arapaima, often considered a close relative or subspecies of Arapaima gigas, is one of the largest freshwater fish on Earth. Native to the Amazon Basin, it can grow over 9 feet long and weigh more than 180 kg. Its body is armored with tough, bony scales, providing protection from predators such as piranhas. This species is a surface-breather, rising frequently to gulp air, an adaptation to oxygen-poor waters. Kept mainly in large public aquariums, they require vast water volumes, strong filtration, and specialized care.