Arapaima facts: one of the bonytongues | Animal Fact Files

Arapaima are some of the largest living freshwater fish. These giants of the amazon river basin have squishy faces and fancy tails that appear red or orange in color. Also known as 'pirarucu' and 'paiche', arapaima can survive in extremely oxygen deficient water systems because they can breathe air. In fact, their lungs are so tiny they are required to breathe air in order to survive! When an arapaima comes to the surface to breathe, it lets out a loud gulping sound that's been described as something like a cough. These fish are protective of their young to the point that males may even carry their offspring in their mouths for protection!

Scientific Name: Genus - Arapaima
Range: South America - Amazon River Basin
Size: up to 10 feet (3m) and over 400 pounds (181kg) though most don't reach these sizes anymore
Diet: other fish, crustaceans, fruits, nuts, seeds, will also take animals that have fallen in the water
Lifespan: up to 20 years

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[ShelbyOnSafari]

It is so cool how long they can go between breathing! They have a very interesting shaped face as well. I had no idea both parents protect the eggs... thanks for teaching me something new! Hope you guys and Chester are all good 💚

[tracybowling]

I just ❤ this Channel! This was a neat episode.

[evolutionworld]

Your Every Animals And Birds Videos Are Informative ...❤️

[jadenl]

Thanks for the video!😄 I really enjoyed it!🤩

[jadenl]

Could you do a video on the therizinosaurus?

[animalandairplanecollectibes]

I’ve seen a arapaima at the shark reef aquarium in Las Vegas!

[tinyGrim]

Amazing, but scary fish. Thank you, very cool.

[DanDaFreakinMan]

Oh it's that giant fish I caught several times in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

[marvalice]

On the bright side, as a registered Tasty Boy they are unlikely to go completely extinct without additional complications

[rranelll]

Can you please make a video about the Carolina Fish

[zinedinemayauttp]

How you talked about basking sharks yet?

[Col]

Wow, They're big alright! And not super pretty. But how can you not be fascinated (and a little frightened) by a 10 ft fish that jumps out of the water and breathes air.
Thanks for the video!

[fluffybunny]

You can catch arapaima in animal crossing!

[gojifan]

Since humans are technically a type of animal are you ever going to do humans?