Arapaima Gigas
Fast Facts
- It is the largest freshwater fish in the world, only rivaled by the Beluga sturgeon.
- The Arapaima is also called a pirarucu.
- The fish rises to the surface of the water and inhales air in a noisy, distinctive gulp, which is reported to be heard for long distances.
- Their tough bony scales help defend them against piranha nipping.
Range
Amazon River Basin
Habitat
Floodplain lakes, large tributaries, and flooded forest
Size
Up to 15 feet long and 441 pounds
Nutrition
Plankton, insects, crustaceans, earthworms, snails, and (sometimes) other fish