When it comes to the giants of the aquatic world, we often think of sea creatures such as sharks, dolphins or whales. However, even in freshwater rivers, you would be surprised by the immense size of certain species of fish.

One of the most amazing giants is the Arapaima, also known as the “master of freshwater” of the Amazon region. Discovered by Swiss biologist Loυis Agassiz in 1829, the Arapaima (also called “giant pirarυcυ” or “pirarυcυ”) is found in the tropical regions of South America and is considered one of the largest freshwater fish species in the world. .

Some individuals of this species can reach extraordinary sizes, weighing up to 200 kg and a length of 3 meters. There have been documented cases of Arapaima specimens measuring 4 meters long and weighing 300 kg.

Because of this, many avid anglers often whisper to each other that when fishing for this fish, they should avoid spooking them. Only when you see them emerging and swimming should you try to catch them. Despite their enormous size, Arapaima fish are quite shy. When frightened, they shake and forcefully expel water as a way to show their appearance.

A distinctive feature of the Arapaima is its ability to breathe air by taking it from the surface of the water. In addition to the gills, this fish “extracts” oxygen from the air through a labyrinthine organ in its throat, which functions like the larvae of land animals.

Young Arapaima have silvery-gray scales, a rough, elongated body shape, and their heads resemble those of pike. Adυlt Arapaima has a darker, gray-brown coloration with a metallic coating. The scales of the dorsal leg, tail and leg exhibit red or orange spots, making them even more noticeable.

Arapaima can survive drinking dry seasons or oxygen-deprived conditions in flooded areas of the Amazon by digging themselves into the muddy waters of swamps and breathing through their mouths. However, this air breathing activity usually occurs every 5 to 15 minutes.

Another notable feature of the Arapaima is its ability to breathe through air at the water surface.

Their daily diet consists of fish, crustaceans and small creatures that ply the shores. However, occasionally, arapaima demonstrate their strength by jumping several meters above the water to catch prey such as sticks or birds.

The pirarυcυ has sharp teeth to tear its prey. Consequently, many people consider it the main predator among fish species in the Amazon.

Similar to other fish species, the Arapaima exhibits peculiar reproductive behavior. After the female lays her eggs on a pest, the male fertilizes them and carries them in his mouth for the first four months. When the rainy season begins in May, and the water level rises in the lakes and pods, the hatchlings hatch and begin their life in the flooded environment.

During this time, the parents control the young by releasing a pheromone that attracts and keeps the young close, preventing them from getting lost.

Despite their enormous size, arapaima fish are highly sought after for ornamental purposes due to their beautiful shape and striking colors. Residents of South America often choose to breed them as decorative fish. Furthermore, people in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, also have a penchant for breeding this fish.

Due to their use as a food source and their reputation as a delicacy in the South American region, Arapaima fish face intense attacks and are at risk.

Aside from providing delicacies and sweet meat for consumption, it is surprising that the Arapaima torga is an essential food.