When it comes to giant creatures in the water world, we often think of sea creatures such as sharks, dolphins or whales. However, even in freshwater rivers, you will be amazed at the enormous size of some fish species.

One of them is the Arapaima, also known as the “freshwater monster” of the Amazon region. Discovered by Swiss biologist Louis Agassiz in 1829, Arapaima (also known as “giant pirarυcυ” or “pirarυcυ”) is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world.

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

Therefore, many fishing enthusiasts often whisper to each other that when fishing for this fish, people should avoid startling them. Only if you see them swimming should you try to catch them. Despite its giant size, Arapaima fish are quite shy. When startled, they struggle and forcefully push the water out as a way to show off their appearance.

A striking feature of the Arapaima is its ability to breathe air by sucking it from the surface of the water. In addition to the gills, this fish also “draws” oxygen from the air to absorb the labyrinth organ in its throat, which works like lungs and land animals.

Young Arapaima has silver-gray scales, a round and elongated body, and a pike-like head. Adυlt Arapaima is a darker gray-brown color with a metallic finish. The scales on their dorsal, caudal and dorsal fins have red or orange spots, making them even more noticeable.

Arapaima can survive dry seasons or hypoxic communities in the flooded areas of the Amazon by living in the swamp’s muddy bogs and breathing through their moths. However, this air breathing activity needs to happen every 5 to 15 minutes.

Another notable feature of Arapaima is its ability to breathe air from the water’s surface.

Their daily diet includes fish, crustaceans and small coastal creatures. However, sometimes, Arapaima shows off its strength by jumping several meters out of the water to catch prey such as snakes or birds.

Pirarfish possess sharp teeth that can tear apart their prey. Therefore, many people consider it the top predator among fishes in the Amazon.

Similar to other fish species, Arapaima exhibits unique reproductive behavior. After the female deposits her eggs in the nest, the male fertilizes them and carries them in his butterfly for the first months. When the rainy season begins in May, as water levels rise in lakes and ponds, the young hatch and begin their lives in the floodplain.

During this time, the cubs will control the offspring by releasing a stimulant that attracts and keeps the young close, so they don’t get lost.

Despite their huge size, Arapaima fish are very popular for purposes or purposes due to their beautiful shape and eye-catching colors. South American people often choose to raise them as decorative fish. Furthermore, people in Southeast Asia, especially Thailand, also have a hobby of raising this fish.

Because it is considered a source of food and delicacy in South America, Arapaima facefish is in danger.

In addition to providing delicious food and sweet meat to eaters, it is worth noting that the tongυe of Arapaima is an essential dish.