Arapaima

From Free net encyclopedia

{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Arapaima | status = Conservation status: Data deficient | image = Arapaima_02.jpg | image_caption = Pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) | image_width = 250px | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Actinopterygii | ordo = Osteoglossiformes | familia = Osteoglossidae | subfamilia = Heterotidinae | genus = Arapaima | species = A. gigas | binomial = Arapaima gigas | binomial_authority = (Cuvier, 1829) }}

The Arapaima (Arapaima gigas), also known as the Piracucu, Pirarucu, or Paiche, is one of the world's largest freshwater fish. The species is reported to reach lengths in excess of 3 m (9.8 ft.) and weigh up to 200 kg (440 lb), although these reports have been disputed. As one of the most sought after fish species in South America, it is often captured by spearing for export, and, consequently, large Arapaima of more than 2 m are seldom found today.

The diet of A. gigas consists of other fish or even small animals, including birds. This fish is able to survive extensive drought periods by gulping air and burrowing in the mud or sand of the swamps.

The Arapaima has also been introduced for fishing in Thailand and Malaysia. It is also considered an aquarium fish, although it obviously requires a large tank and ample resources.

Fossils of Arapaima or a very similar species have been found in the Miocene Villavieja Formation of Colombia. [1]

The tongue of this fish is known to have medicinal qualities in South America. It is dried and combined with guarana bark, which is grated and mixed into water. Doses of this are given to kill intestinal worms.

In the Nintendo GameCube videogame Animal Crossing, the Arapaima is a rare catch.

[edit]

Reproduction

Due to the geographic range that A. gigas inhabits, the animal's life cycle is greatly affected by the seasonal flooding that occurs. Half of the year the pirarucu experiences an abundance of water, which is a benefit to these aquatic organisms; however, the other half of the year the pirarucu experiences drought conditions. The pirarucu has adapted to this great fluctuation in many aspects of it's life, including reproduction. A. gigas lays its eggs during the months of February, March, and April when the water levels are low. They build a nest approximately 50 cm wide and 15 cm deep, usually in sandy bottomed areas. As the water rises the eggs hatch and the offspring have the flood season to prosper, during the months of May to August. Therefore, the yearly spawning is regulated seasonally. A. gigas is a mouthbrooder.

[edit]

Economic Importance for Humans

A. gigas is hunted and utilized in many ways by local human populations. Pirarucu are harpooned or caught in large nets and the meat is said to be delicious. One individual can yield seventy kilograms of meat. In addition, the pirarucu's bony tongue is often used to scrape cylinders of dried guarana, an ingredient in a beverage, and the bony scales are used as nail files. This animal also appears in the pet trade, although to keep a pirarucu correctly requires a large tank and can prove quite difficult.

[edit]