Arapaima Sign

Several large Arapaimas (aka Pirarucu) are housed in a deep moat surrounding a primate island exhibit. Only this sign and common sense stops visitors from losing a finger or two.

The token feeding is quite an experience. It involves dead fish dangled just above the water, and the arapaimas would grab/gulp the fish with explosive force (and a splash)! It happens so quickly that it is almost impossible to photograph.

Check out the youtube video (not mine):
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScseTU1pEv4"]YouTube- Arapaima - filmed by Tien Shiah[/ame]

Nice to see Pirarucus in Zoos !

A recent study shows that they are facing a high risk of extinction in near future due over fishing in Brazil. There are not only 1 species but 3 different species!

They are an impressive species, more zoos should have them.

Commercial fish farms in Singapore have been breeding pirarucu for the ornamental fish trade, so they are quite commonly seen in captivity in the region.

Do the 3 species differ in physical appearance?

Hi,

Im not sure about the differences, I will check it correctly and inform you!

In Brazil only a few aquariuns keep them... its a shame.

the split is a recent one (announced this year) and is based on genetic differences. As far as I know there are little or no visual differences between them. There are actually four species in the split, the original A.gigas and three new ones