Arapaima

The Arapaima is the undisputed titan of freshwater fishkeeping — the largest freshwater fish in the world, capable of reaching nearly ten feet in length and over 400 pounds in the wild. Arapaima gigas is a genuine living fossil, an obligate air-breather that surfaces every ten to twenty minutes to gulp atmospheric oxygen with an audible, distinctive gasp. In its native Amazon Basin, it is an apex predator of legendary status, revered by indigenous communities and increasingly protected by conservation programs.

Keeping an Arapaima in captivity is not a decision to be made lightly. This fish requires a minimum 1000-gallon aquarium, and even that is a temporary solution for juvenile specimens. Adults demand custom-built indoor ponds or dedicated fish rooms with systems of 3000 gallons or larger. The tank must be structurally reinforced — an Arapaima can generate enough force during a feeding strike or startle response to crack standard aquarium glass. Weighted lids are mandatory, as these fish are powerful jumpers despite their enormous size.

Temperature should be maintained between 75 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, with pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Despite its imposing size, the Arapaima is relatively tolerant of water chemistry variations, though consistent conditions produce the best growth and coloration. The fish develops beautiful red-orange scaling along its posterior half as it matures — a feature that becomes increasingly dramatic with age and size.

Diet consists of whole fish, large shrimp, and jumbo pellets. Juveniles eat aggressively and grow at an extraordinary rate — several inches per month during the first two years. Feed daily for juveniles, every two to three days for adults. Overfeeding must be carefully avoided.

This is the ultimate monster fish. The Fish Collection ships juvenile specimens via dedicated climate-controlled courier with our absolute live arrival guarantee.