Arapaima

Why I Chose This Fish

I've seen Arapaima in numerous aquariums, and I always stop and gaze at them. There's something about this fish that looks prehistoric, almost as if it came from hundreds of thousands of years ago. Much like the Sturgeon, the Arapaima has an appearance that seems to connect it to another time.

I also love the incredible color details, especially the way the red and orange highlight the tail and rear of the body. Some of my favorite fish come from the Amazon, and the Arapaima is no exception.

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• Scientific name: Arapaima gigas

• Habitat: Slow-moving rivers, floodplain lakes, and flooded forests of the Amazon River basin
  Range: Amazon River basin in South America
  Typical Size: Around 6–8 feet; exceptionally large individuals can reach about 10 feet and 440 pounds
  Diet: Primarily fish, but also crustaceans, insects, fruits, seeds, birds, and other animals at the water’s surface
  Known For: Enormous size, prehistoric appearance, powerful scales, and the ability to breathe atmospheric air using a modified swim bladder.