Whew! That’s a lot to cover, but I’m up for the challenge. If you’ve never heard of the Arapaima, prepare to be amazed. Let’s dive right in!
Introduce Arapaima
General Information
- Origin: Hailing from the Amazon Basin in South America, these guys are used to murky, tropical waters.
- Size: On average, we’re talking about a fish that can grow up to 15 feet, although 6-8 feet is more common.
- Lifespan: They can live up to 15 to 20 years, if well cared for.
- Temperament: Think of them as the wise old men of the fish world. They’re generally calm but can be territorial.
- Appearance: Long bodies, dorsal fins closer to the tail, and thick, armored scales.
- Types & Colors: Besides Arapaima gigas and Arapaima leptosoma, there’s also Arapaima mapae that’s a reddish-brown.
- Price: Hold onto your wallets; a young Arapaima can cost you around $250-$500.
Habitat and Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitat: Amazon rivers and swamps, often in oxygen-poor water.
- Tank Size: You’re gonna need a pond. A big one. At least 5000 gallons.
- Water Parameters: Warm water, around 75-86°F, with a pH of 6.5 to 8.
- Tank Setup: Think Amazon riverbed: sandy substrate, logs, and plants.
Feeding
- Diet: Carnivorous, mainly eating fish and crustaceans.
- Feeding Habits: They’re opportunistic feeders, lying in wait to gulp their prey whole.
Suitable Foods:
- Small feeder fish
- Shrimp
- Insects
- High-quality pellets
- Beef heart
Breeding
- Reproduction: They build nests and lay eggs in the sandy bottoms of rivers.
- Breeding Requirements: Around 78-82°F water temperature, lowered water level.
- Spawning Process: After courtship, female lays eggs, male fertilizes and guards them.
Common Health Issues
- Issues: Parasitic infections, malnutrition.
- Preventive Method: Regular water changes, quarantining new arrivals.
Special Considerations
- Compatibility: Not great with small fish. Stick to similar-sized, non-aggressive fish.
- Special Care: A powerful filtration system is a must.
- Legal Restrictions: Check local laws, as they are sometimes considered an invasive species.
Which Arapaima Varieties Can Be Kept Together
- Arapaima gigas
- Arapaima leptosoma
- Arapaima mapae
- (They’re territorial, so lots of space is crucial.)
Difference Between Male and Female
- Males: Generally larger, more vibrant colors.
- Females: Smaller and less vividly colored.
How many species of Arapaima?
Four or five recognized species, depending on the source.
How to feed them to make their color brighter?
High-quality pellets with carotenoids can enhance color.
How big do they grow?
They can grow up to 15 feet, although 6-8 feet is more common.
How fast do they grow?
Very fast, reaching up to 4-5 feet in the first year.
How long do they live?
Typically 15 to 20 years.
How to take care of them?
Large pond, proper filtration, and a diet of meaty foods.
Which food products are best?
Hikari, Tetra, and New Life Spectrum make quality pellets for carnivorous fish.
Is it good to keep them as pets?
Only if you have ample space and resources; they are not for beginners.
Why did my Arapaima die?
Likely due to stress, poor water quality, or disease.
Are they aggressive?
Generally no, but they can be territorial.
Do they kill other fish?
Only if those fish are small enough to be considered food.
There you go, a deep dive into the fascinating world of Arapaima. These aren’t your average goldfish, that’s for sure!
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