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