Arapaima (Pirarucu)

Species

There are several species of Arapaima, but the most commonly recognized ones are:

All species of Arapaima are threatened due to overfishing and habitat destruction, and are listed as vulnerable or endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Appearance

Arapaima, also known as pirarucu, is a freshwater fish that has a distinctive and striking appearance. It has a long, cylindrical body that is covered in large, bony scales, which can be up to 10 centimeters in diameter. The fish has a large, broad head with a wide, upward-facing mouth that is adapted for catching prey at the surface of the water. Arapaima’s body is dark green or grayish-brown on the back, and lighter on the belly. It has a distinctive red marking around the eyes, which makes it easily recognizable.

Size

Arapaima are one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, and can grow up to 9 feet in length and weigh over 400 pounds. However, the average size of Arapaima is typically around 6 feet in length and 200-300 pounds in weight. The size of an Arapaima can vary depending on its age, sex, and environmental conditions. Arapaima can live for over 20 years in the wild, and during that time, they can continue to grow and reach impressive sizes.

Biggest Arapaima

The exact size of the largest arapaima ever caught is not known, as many of the biggest arapaima caught have been released back into the wild. However, according to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), the current world record for arapaima is a 440-pound (199.58 kg) fish caught in Brazil in 2019 by angler Jakub Vagner. This arapaima was caught on a fly rod, and took over an hour to land.

Diet

The Arapaima is a carnivorous fish and primarily feeds on other fish, crustaceans, and small mammals. Its diet consists of a wide variety of prey, including smaller fish like tetras, catfish, and piranhas, as well as crustaceans like crabs and shrimp. Arapaima have a unique adaptation that allows them to swallow air, which they use to supplement their oxygen supply when they are in poorly oxygenated water. This ability also allows them to feed on prey that are found near the water’s surface, such as birds and small mammals. In captivity, Arapaima can be fed a diet of fish pellets, but a varied diet is recommended to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients.

Behavior

Arapaima, also known as pirarucu, is a large freshwater fish that has a number of interesting behaviors. Here are some of the most notable behaviors of Arapaima:

1. Surface breathing: Arapaima is an air-breathing fish, and it has to come to the surface to breathe. It will often make a loud gasping noise when it breathes, which can be heard from a distance.
2. Social behavior: Arapaima is a social fish and can often be found swimming in schools. They are also known to exhibit parental care, with the parents guarding the eggs and the young after hatching.
3. Nocturnal feeding: Arapaima is mostly active at night, and it feeds on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and insects.
4. Territorial behavior: Arapaima is territorial and will defend its space against other fish, especially during the breeding season.
5. Jumping behavior: Arapaima is also known for its jumping behavior, where it jumps out of the water and makes a loud splash. It is believed that this behavior is a way of communicating with other fish or marking its territory.

Overall, Arapaima is a fascinating fish with a range of interesting behaviors. Its air-breathing, social, and territorial behaviors make it an important species in the Amazon Basin ecosystem.

Spawning

The Arapaima is a species of South American freshwater fish known for their large size and unique characteristics. One of the most fascinating aspects of Arapaima is their spawning behavior, which is quite different than that of most other fish species.

Arapaima typically spawn during the rainy season, which usually falls between November and February in their native range. They are known to migrate upstream to shallow waters in search of suitable nesting grounds. Unlike other fish that typically scatter their eggs, Arapaima lay their eggs in a large communal nest. The nesting site can be as large as twenty feet wide and up to three feet deep.

Males and females collaborate in the construction of the nest, consistently diving deep into the water to retrieve plant materials such as branches, leaves, and stems. They then bring them to the nesting site, where the nest is built up layer by layer. The nest is protected by a group of males, who work together to keep predators such as other fish, birds, and even caimans away.

Once the nest is completed, the female Arapaima lays her eggs, which can number anywhere between 1000 to 5000 per female depending on her size. Males then fertilize the eggs externally before diligence to protect and oxygenate them by gently fanning them with their fins. The eggs will hatch within a week, upon which the young Arapaima will remain in the nest together with the male that continues guarding the newly hatched fry for up to several weeks until they swim free from the nest.

In conclusion, Arapaima spawning is a unique phenomenon demonstrating the sophistication of the species’ reproductive behavior. Their communal nest construction, collaboration between sexes, and protection tactics of their young all suggest tremendous adaptations that have helped these fish thrive for over 300 million years, earning them the moniker “dinosaur fish.”

Fishing

Due to their large size and popularity among anglers, arapaima are often targeted using a variety of fishing methods. Here are some of the most common techniques used to catch arapaima:

1. Bait fishing: This involves using live or dead bait, such as fish or shrimp, to lure arapaima to the fishing line. The bait is typically placed on a hook and cast into the water, where it is left to drift or sink to the bottom. Once an arapaima takes the bait, the angler must quickly set the hook and start reeling in the fish.
2. Fly fishing: This method involves using artificial flies that imitate the natural prey of arapaima, such as insects or small fish. The angler casts the fly using a specialized rod and line, and then strips or retrieves the fly back to the boat or shore. Arapaima can be caught using both surface and subsurface flies.
3. Lure fishing: This method involves using artificial lures, such as spoons, spinners, or plugs, to attract arapaima. The lures are typically cast out and retrieved at a steady pace, mimicking the movement of prey. Anglers can experiment with different types of lures and retrieve speeds to find what works best for the specific arapaima population they are targeting.
4. Bowfishing: This method involves using a specialized bow and arrow to shoot arapaima while they are swimming near the surface. This technique requires skill and precision, as arapaima are quick and agile swimmers.

It is important to note that arapaima are a protected species in many areas due to overfishing and habitat loss. Before attempting to catch arapaima, anglers should check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits or licenses. Additionally, catch-and-release practices are recommended to help preserve arapaima populations for future generations.

Lures

To catch Arapaima, you need to use lures that are designed to handle their size and strength. Here are some types of lures that can be effective for Arapaima fishing:

1. Large Topwater Lures: These lures are designed to create a commotion on the surface of the water, which can trigger a predatory response from Arapaima. Examples of topwater lures for Arapaima include the Heddon Zara Spook, the River2Sea Whopper Plopper, and the Savage Gear 3D Topwater Bat.
2. Large Swimbait Lures: Swimbait lures are designed to mimic the swimming action of baitfish, which can attract the attention of predatory fish like Arapaima. Examples of swimbaits for Arapaima include the Savage Gear 3D Shine Glide, the Strike King Shadalicious, and the Huddleston Deluxe Swimbait.
3. Large Spinnerbait Lures: These lures feature a spinning blade that creates vibration and flash in the water, which can attract the attention of Arapaima. Examples of spinnerbaits for Arapaima include the Booyah Counter Strike Spinnerbait, the Strike King Burner Spinnerbait, and the Megabass V-Flat Power Bomb Spinnerbait.
4. Large Crankbait Lures: Crankbaits are designed to dive to a certain depth and swim in a particular way, which can attract the attention of Arapaima. Examples of crankbaits for Arapaima include the Spro BBZ-1 Swimbait, the Rapala X-Rap Magnum, and the Megabass Deep-X 300.

Arapaima is a popular food fish in many regions, and is known for its firm, white flesh and mild flavor. Here are some popular dishes that can be made from arapaima:

1. Arapaima steaks: One of the simplest ways to prepare arapaima is to cut the fish into steaks and grill, broil, or pan-fry them. The steaks can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste, and served with a side of vegetables or rice.
2. Arapaima ceviche: Ceviche is a popular South American dish that involves marinating raw fish in citrus juice and seasonings. Arapaima is a great fish for ceviche, as its firm flesh holds up well to the acidic marinade. The ceviche can be served with tortilla chips or crackers for dipping.
3. Arapaima curry: Arapaima is also commonly used in curries in South America. The fish is typically cut into chunks and simmered in a sauce made from coconut milk, spices, and vegetables, such as onion, garlic, and peppers. The curry is usually served with rice or bread.
4. Arapaima chowder: Arapaima can also be used to make a delicious and hearty fish chowder. The fish is usually simmered in a broth made from vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and potatoes, along with cream or milk. The chowder can be seasoned with herbs and spices, such as thyme or bay leaves, to taste.

It’s worth noting that arapaima is a protected species in many areas due to overfishing and habitat loss, so it’s important to ensure that any arapaima used for food is sourced sustainably and in accordance with local regulations.

Conservation Status

To conserve the Arapaima, some measures have been implemented in the Amazon region. For instance, some indigenous communities have been given the responsibility to manage the fishing of Arapaima in their areas. This approach empowers the locals to protect their natural resources by implementing strict fishing regulations, including selective harvesting and seasonal closures. The Arapaima fishermen, for instance, are allowed to fish only a limited number of fish and must release juveniles below certain sizes and females above certain sizes.

Other conservation measures include aquaculture farming of the Arapaima. By cultivating Arapaimas in captivity, it helps to take the pressure off wild populations, while also providing a source of income for the local communities.

Furthermore, some researchers have studied the Arapaima’s behavior, biology, and reproduction, which has helped in the development of fisheries management plans. They have discovered, for example, that Arapaima breeding occurs during the rising waters season when the newly flooded area has become part of the aquatic system. This information is essential for seasonal closures, ensuring the conservation and reproduction of the fish.

In conclusion, the conservation of the Arapaima represents a holistic approach that involves different stakeholders such as the local communities, researchers, and policymakers. The success of these conservation measures lies in cooperation, communication, and continued adaptation to changing circumstances.