
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Arapaima gigas
One of the world's largest freshwater fish, from the Amazon basin. It reaches 4.5m and 200kg and must surface regularly to breathe air. Listed on CITES Appendix II, it needs an enormous volume of water.
Arapaima gigas is a giant osteoglossiform of the Amazon basin; FishBase records a maximum of 450cm TL and 200kg. It is an obligate air-breather whose swim bladder works as a lung, so it must surface regularly. The body is covered in thick scales and the rear half is flushed with red. FishBase gives a habitat pH of 6.0-6.5 and 25-29C. It spawns in April and May and the parents guard the young. Heavy fishing has reduced both population size and the occurrence of large individuals, and the species is on CITES Appendix II, so international trade requires an export permit. Its IUCN assessment is Data Deficient (1996). Growth is extremely fast and lifelong housing in a normal home aquarium is not realistic; anyone considering one should first confirm they can provide public-aquarium volume, surface access for breathing and very powerful filtration.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Arapaima lives 15+ years.
The Arapaima grows to Up to about 450cm.
The ideal temperature for the Arapaima is 25〜29℃.
Origin
South America (Amazon basin)
Lifespan
15+ years
Size
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Primary sources
Accepted name: Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822)
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Up to about 450cm
Temperature
25〜29℃
Fish flesh, live prey
Reaches 4.5m. It must be able to reach the surface freely to breathe air, and lifelong housing in a home aquarium is not realistic.
FishBase gives a habitat pH of 6.0-6.5 and 25-29C. Heavy feeding demands powerful filtration and frequent water changes.
A large predator that will eat anything it can swallow, and its movements can injure tank mates or damage equipment. Keep singly.
Strongly piscivorous; growing fish consume large amounts of fish flesh and live prey. Do not feed mammal or bird meat.
Spawns in April and May in the wild, with parental care of the young. Captive reproduction is confined to facilities with large ponds.
Listed on CITES Appendix II: international trade requires an export permit, so check the paperwork when buying. In cramped tanks the snout is easily damaged by sudden turns.
Advanced. This is an advanced-level species. It requires specialized equipment and advanced husbandry skills with precise environmental control.
The ideal temperature for Arapaima is 25〜29℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Arapaima is 15+ years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Arapaima typically reaches Up to about 450cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Arapaima feeds on: Fish flesh, live prey. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Arapaima varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026