Finally! We get to talk about the giant. The arapaima is the biggest most glorious of bony tongue fishes in the whole world. There are lots of thing to talk about this fish especially arapaima size . I really don’t know where to begin with.But let us start from its physical features moving through their food and aquarium needs. Then leap up to conclusion.
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Arapaima appearance.
This massive fish is torpedo shaped and elongated. They have long caudal and dorsal fins that merge with the tail in in a very linear fashion. These are some times classified as distant relatives to osteoglossidae family. But some experts have kept their family classified separately as Arapamidea.
Some time ago they were thought to be just type or species of this family. But recently some more species have surfaced in some other parts of the world. Obviously, the native species of amazon is most widely known Arapaima.
This fish is found in Amazon river. Classically this fish is known as the “Piracuru”. Where pira means red and curu means fish in the local language. There might be tow reasons for such name. First maybe is that these fishes have red colored scales at the end of their bodies and second being their orange red meat.
They have blackish green scales. One thing very peculiar about their scales is that they are very hard on the outer surface but are soft inside. This gives them a flowing movement. Every evolution on any animal has a reason. This unusual scale evolution might be because of two reasons. First this imparts much needed flexibility for such an enormous fish. Secondly this provides an armor like protection form other predators of the Amazon river.
They have a splash of red in the last one third portion of their body. Every other fish have a unique pattern and they are just beautiful.
Arapaima Size.
Arapaima size ranges from 9 feet to a massive 14 feet. This has been a classical case. But unfortunately due to over exploitation for food this fish has depleted in numbers. The massive 10+ feet arapaima size is not found easily these days simply because of over fishing. Over fishing has is the biggest reason behind diminishing Arapaima size.
Evolution over millions of years gave arapaima an ability to breath directly from air. This helped them to survive for ages amazon waters. These waters were home to several aquatic animal species as well as several plants. With dense vegetation cover the intermixing of air in the water is hampered. That is why some fishes evolved lungs like cellular tissues in their gills. Arapaima were one of such fishes.
They have to surface in every 10-15 minutes to gulp air. And we humans are great at improvising. We have used this need of this mighty fish to hunt it. Pity one more magnificent fish species is under threat of extinction because of human greed. Let me correct this statement. Arapaima is not close to extinction but certainly the massive arapaima size is not witnessed presently. Larger the size easier the target for fishermen.
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Proper Arapaima size aquarium.
A massive fish needs a massive aquarium. Here massive I am referring to the Arowana or a red tail catfish. But this fish, the arapaima is a behemoth. No other freshwater aquarium fish can match arapaima size. And for that matter I believe that there is no aquarium that can house this giant. At least in a household this fish should be avoided. This fish should not be promoted as an aquarium fish at all. Aquarium traders should avoid this fish at all costs.
I have explained earlier in some posts that why giant fishes should be avoided. Let me explain here once more in a proper fashion. As they grow every thing is going to get worse for them. There is a veterinary condition known as stunned growth.
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Stunned growth problem with arapaima size fishes.
Every organism has a time period in which their bones reach maximum growth. This condition is achievable with proper nutrition and physical stimulation in a very long time. This physical stimulation of complete body is known as exercise. All organisms consume food extract nutrition and through metabolism utilize nutrition to grow. Now, to optimize every thing a fixed balance of conditions. Now, for any fish to grow to its full potential they need at least three times their length the width of aquarium and 6 times their length the length the length of aquarium and three times their length the depth of aquarium.
For housing and letting the fish achieve optimum arapaima size you need 60-70 feet long, 30 feet wide and 30 feet deep pond. I believe its not possible for most of the hobbyists. Its really unfortunate that some people house them is small aquariums. Even if these aquariums would be 15-20 feet long in no way they are appropriate to house an arapaima size fish.
These fishes die of organ failures caused by cramped dimensions.
Arapaima food.
Well, I really do not prefer to keep Arapaima size fishes in aquarium. So, I am not providing any of the possible foods available for Arapaima. But, don’t be disappointed I recon several websites have them. But, really I request you to leave this fish for amazon and other very large water bodies.
Care
Care is as usual like other fishes specially like arowana fishes. They need clean waters and regular recycling. Not much is needed as per decorations just one massive pond. And lots and lots of non vegetarian food like raw chicken, lamb organs, appropriate sized carps etc.
Conclusion
This massive fish is a big no for aquariums, no matter what size. Their number in their native habitat is also depleting. The main reason is being is over fishing. They are now introduced in several other parts of the world in vast water reserves. The purpose being the same to serve as a food source. They are also been introduced recently in the aquarium trade. But a big percentage is dying because of stunned growth. Some outgrow their aquariums and then were discarded in other natural water bodies. Being one of the biggest fresh water fish accompanied to their predatory instincts they very soon become a threat to the local ecosystem. This also a big reason to discard this fish as an aquarium fish. Because when released in the wild they soon become an invasive species devastating the local ecosystem.
So, please avoid this fish and discourage your ignorant aquarium fish dealers to trade this fish. Obviously its our duty as fish lovers to provide the best responsible care we can. Even if it means that we cant be dazzling our eyes over some of the nature’s most beautiful miracles.
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