Facts about Arapaima Gigas

1. 05

   During breeding season, Arapaima gigas builds a nest in sandy or muddy river bottoms and both parents guard the eggs and young offspring.

   Arapaima GigasJun 7sharereproductionbehaviorfreshwater
2. 04

   The arapaima gigas is a highly prized food fish in South America, leading to significant overfishing pressure that has made it locally extinct in some areas of the Amazon.

   Arapaima GigasJun 7shareconservationecologyfreshwater
3. 03

   Scales of Arapaima gigas are studied by materials scientists for their remarkable flexibility and resistance to puncture, inspiring bio-inspired armor designs.

   Arapaima GigasJun 7sharebiologydefensebiomechanics
4. 02

   Arapaima gigas is an obligate air-breather, surfacing every few minutes to gulp air using a modified, lung-like swim bladder.

   Arapaima GigasJun 7sharebiologyrespirationadaptation
5. 01

   One of the largest freshwater fish in the world, Arapaima gigas can reach lengths exceeding 2 meters and is native to the Amazon basin.

   Arapaima GigasJun 7sharebiologysizefreshwater