Arapaima

Arapaima is a genus of large freshwater fishes native to the Amazon and neighboring South American river basins. Its species breathe air at the surface and include some of the world’s largest scaled freshwater fishes.

Obligate air breathing: A physiological dependence on atmospheric oxygen rather than water-borne oxygen for routine respiration. Arapaima must surface regularly because their gills alone cannot supply enough oxygen.
Osteoglossiformes: An order of mostly freshwater ray-finned fishes that includes arowanas and elephantfishes. Arapaima belong to this ancient fish order, alongside several distinctive lineages.
Pirarucu fishing: The capture of arapaima, especially Arapaima gigas, for food and commerce in Amazonian fisheries. Traditional and managed fisheries make the genus economically and culturally significant.
Amazon River: A major South American river whose basin contains the world’s largest tropical rainforest. The Amazon basin is the principal native range of arapaima.
Swim bladder: A gas-filled organ in many fishes that regulates buoyancy and can have other functions. Arapaima use a modified swim bladder as a lung-like organ for breathing air.
Arapaimidae: A family of large South American freshwater fishes that includes arapaima. The genus Arapaima is classified within this family.
Arapaima aquaculture: The controlled breeding and rearing of arapaima for food production. Rapid growth and air breathing make arapaima attractive for fish farming.
Arowana: A common name for several elongated freshwater fishes in the order Osteoglossiformes. Arowanas are close relatives that help place arapaima within fish diversity.
Aquatic surface respiration: A behavior in which aquatic animals obtain oxygen from the surface layer of water. Arapaima rise to the surface to gulp air, making their breathing conspicuous.
Arapaima gigas: A large Amazonian fish species commonly called the giant arapaima or pirarucu. This is the best-known species in the genus and a major subject of research and fisheries.

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NotopteridaeCompared with: Arapaima shares the broader osteoglossiform lineage but contrasts sharply in body size and form.