The Arapaima (Arapaima gigas), commonly called Piracucu, are beautiful, tropical fish native to the Amazon River that grow to a huge length of 15 feet. The Arapaima is considered to be an endangered fish species because these fish are hunted as food all throughout the Amazon. In this article, you’ll find fascinating facts about tropical fish Arapaima.

 

Facts about Arapaima Behavior and Habitat

 

These fish inhabit swampy waters with low oxygen concentrations. Because of this environment, the fish has developed a unique breathing system. It has a lung-like lining inside its throat which enables the fish to take in gulps of air from the surface. The air ‘breathed’ in acts as a necessary supplementary source of oxygen for the fish. Unfortunately, this behavior of gulping in air makes the Arapaima very vulnerable to fishermen. The gulp can be heard and the fishermen follow the sound towards the fish. The fish is then speared or caught with large nets.

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