What is Arapima?

Arapaima is a big fish that lives in South America. It is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world and can grow to a length of more than 6.6 feet (about 2 meters). Fish feed mainly on other small fish and animals. Arapaima fish are also sometimes known as paiche or pirauc, depending on the place. The fish is part of a group known as "living fossils" - animals or fish that seem to be the same as the species found in fossils.

The size of the fish Arapaim makes them a constant target for fishermen because they are a common food fish. For this reason, the largest fish Arapima is no longer regularly found in the wild. It is assumed that although large examples of the species regularly reach 6.6 feet (about 2 meters), the species is able to grow to a much larger size. It is generally said that if the fish were not hunted, there would be samples that could reach almost 15 feet (about 4.5 meters).

Arapaim Fish mainly lives other fish, even though they also eat small animals and crustaceans. These are fish forAir breathing, an evolutionary advantage that the species has developed to deal with the Amazon regions that do not have high oxygen concentrations. Fish spend a lot of time in shallow water.

The Amazon River regularly floods, which can have a big impact on the fish reproductive cycle. Fish usually put eggs during the first few months of the year when the river is at a low point. The eggs are inserted into nests, which are about 2 feet wide (half a meter). The eggs hatch as the water begins to rise.

Arapaima meat is considered a delicacy in many regions of South America. This led to being hunted close to extinction. There are a number of ways to catch fish, including large networks or harpooning. Due to the size, catching individual fish is the only one -right option for most fishermen.

Since the fish is in many regions close to extinction, in most Brazil is not for fishermen lea gallant target. There are still some small areas where fish are allowed to catch, but only be returned to the river or for the consumption of people who caught it. However, there are farms for fish that give fish steaks to operate demand.