One of the largest freshwater fish species in the world, the arapaima is known for its upturned mouth, streamlined body and bony head.
ORIGIN:
South America
HABITAT:
Oxygen-deficient rivers
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
Up to 440 lbs
Length: 10 ft
DIET:
Fish, fruits, seeds, insects, birds and mammals
PREDATORS:
Humans and caimans
NATURAL DEFENSES:
Can survive up to 24 hours outside the water; bony armor
REPRODUCTION:
Between February and March, arapaimas lay thousands of eggs in nests in the sand
THREATS:
Overfishing and pollution
LIFE EXPECTANCY:
Up to 20 yrs
12 |
24 |
Three | 48 |