How large does an Arapaima grow?

According to reference data, Arapaima can grow to roughly 450cm. Since it can reach a large size even in captivity, it's important to prepare housing that accounts for its future growth.

How difficult is it to keep an Arapaima?

Arapaima is classified as an advanced-level fish to keep. It requires experience with large fish and an environment where a spacious tank and ample water volume can be provided.

Why does it come up to the surface?

Arapaima has an air-breathing organ in addition to its gills and regularly rises to the surface to gulp air directly. This is normal behavior, not a sign of illness.

Can it be kept together with other fish?

Because the size difference becomes so large, tankmate selection requires caution. As the Arapaima grows, it's advisable to regularly reassess the size and compatibility of any tankmates.

What should it be fed?

It is strongly carnivorous and uses its large mouth to prey on fish and shrimp. It's important to feed food of an appropriate size and quantity based on its growth stage and body size.

Arapaima

Native to the Amazon River basin, the Arapaima is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, capable of growing to roughly 450cm in length. Beyond its impressive size, it has a unique air-breathing organ that lets it gulp air at the surface, giving keepers a fascinating behavior to observe. Its temperament tends to be calm, but housing a fish this large calls for a spacious tank and a substantial volume of water. For experienced keepers ready for a long-term project, raising an Arapaima to its full size is a truly rewarding challenge.

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About Arapaima

Arapaima is one of the world's largest freshwater fish, growing to roughly 450cm. Learn about its unique air-breathing behavior and what advanced-level keepers need to prepare.

7 things to know before welcoming a Arapaima

1A Massive Tank and Water Volume
As Arapaima can grow to roughly 450cm in length, it needs purpose-built, large-scale housing rather than a typical home aquarium. Plan for its adult size in advance and prepare an environment with a substantial volume of water.
2Surface Access for Air-Breathing
In addition to its gills, the Arapaima has an air-breathing organ and regularly rises to the surface to gulp air directly. Leave enough space between the water surface and the lid so this natural behavior isn't obstructed.
3An Advanced-Level Fish to Keep
Given its size and the scale of equipment required, Arapaima is considered an advanced-level fish to keep. Before bringing one home, carefully consider your experience with large fish and the time and effort you can commit to daily care.
4Calm Temperament, Handle with Care
Its temperament is generally considered calm, but given its massive size, sudden movements or contact within the tank require caution. Avoid getting too close when performing maintenance work.
5Water Quality and Regular Changes
Its large body produces a correspondingly large amount of waste, making strong filtration and regular water changes essential for maintaining water quality. Set up a routine that prevents ammonia and nitrite from building up.
6Upgrading Equipment as It Grows
Even though juveniles start small, Arapaima tend to grow at a relatively fast pace. It helps to plan ahead for upgrading tank size and filtration capacity in stages as the fish matures.
7Set Up the Environment First
Because Arapaima is such a large fish, it's important to complete the tank, filtration, and water volume setup before bringing it home, rather than afterward. Plan ahead with the expectation of a long-term commitment.

Frequently asked questions about Arapaima

Q.How large does an Arapaima grow?: A.According to reference data, Arapaima can grow to roughly 450cm. Since it can reach a large size even in captivity, it's important to prepare housing that accounts for its future growth.
Q.How difficult is it to keep an Arapaima?: A.Arapaima is classified as an advanced-level fish to keep. It requires experience with large fish and an environment where a spacious tank and ample water volume can be provided.
Q.Why does it come up to the surface?: A.Arapaima has an air-breathing organ in addition to its gills and regularly rises to the surface to gulp air directly. This is normal behavior, not a sign of illness.
Q.Can it be kept together with other fish?: A.Because the size difference becomes so large, tankmate selection requires caution. As the Arapaima grows, it's advisable to regularly reassess the size and compatibility of any tankmates.
Q.What should it be fed?: A.It is strongly carnivorous and uses its large mouth to prey on fish and shrimp. It's important to feed food of an appropriate size and quantity based on its growth stage and body size.