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Arapaima (Arapaima gigas) wildlife photograph

Field guide · legendary

Arapaima

Air-breathing giant of the várzea — armour scales, surface gulps, and Amazon legend.

Near Threatened

Arapaima gigas

Overview

Arapaima (pirarucu) are among the world’s largest freshwater fishes, rising to gulp air in Amazon floodplain lakes. Huge scales and a torpedo body power short explosive lunges at fish and other prey.

For Brazil collectors, arapaima is a legendary Amazon heavyweight — ancient air-breather, fishery icon, and floodplain guardian story.

Habitat

  • Floodplain lake
  • Amazon channel
  • Várzea forest

Oxygen-poor lakes, channels, and flooded forests of the Amazon Basin, where surface air-breathing is an advantage in warm still water.

Countries found

Field notes

Field scale for the Arapaima: length around Commonly 1.5-2.5 m; exceptional fish larger; weight Often 50-100+ kg in large adults. Typical lifespan: Around 15-20 years in the wild.

When you are scanning habitat, prioritise floodplain lake, amazon channel, and várzea forest. Those settings are where a clean look and a usable photo are most likely.

Quick ID anchor: Massive elongated fish with large overlapping scales and a tapered head. Confirm with behaviour and habitat before you log the discovery.

Where to see one

  • Brazil

    In Brazil, start at Amazon Rainforest (Amazonas). Riverboat journeys through flooded forest, with pink dolphins, sloths, and more species than anywhere else on Earth.

    More context on this destination lives on the Brazil expedition page.

    Spotting guide for Arapaima in Brazil

Diet

Fish and other aquatic animals taken in ambush near the surface or among vegetation.

Use a rapid suction strike after rising to breathe.

Behaviour

Surface regularly to breathe atmospheric air.

Nest in shallow areas; adults may protect fry in the mouth or nearby water.

How to identify

Massive elongated fish with large overlapping scales and a tapered head.

Adults often show reddish tones toward the tail; must rise to gulp air.

Interesting facts

  1. 01

    Among the largest scaled freshwater fishes.

  2. 02

    Obligate air-breather — gulps at the surface.

  3. 03

    Thick scales act like flexible armour.

  4. 04

    Known as pirarucu in Brazil.

  5. 05

    Parents may guard nests and young.

  6. 06

    Can exceed 2 m in well-protected waters.

Conservation status

NT: Near Threatened

IUCN lists Arapaima gigas as Data Deficient globally, while Brazilian assessments treat pirarucu as Near Threatened amid heavy fishing. Community management and protected floodplains are critical where stocks have crashed.

Sources: IUCN Red List

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