Arapaima Gigas

[nolapete]

I received my group of arapaimas a week ago from Rich. After some problems and losses unfortunately due to water being too pristine, the remaining ones I have are doing great. They evidently don't do well with too new water or large water changes. Clean, aged, well-filtered water, with smaller water changes seem in order.

They look like little fat torpedos and act like puppies with fins. No fear whatsoever, eat market shrimp like ravenous piranhas, and come up to the glass every time I go near it. They have become my favorite fish. Looking forward to many years of continual housing development for these amazing monster fish! Pictures don't do them justice, so I'll have some video done when my friend gets back from Houston.

 

[arapaimag]

It's great that they are eating so well already. How many pimas do you still have alive and what size are they?

 

[johnptc]

those are some beautiful paima's how large is yours now john?

sam is about 6 feet 220 pounds and samantha is 5 feet and lighter

 

[arapaimag]

I received my group of arapaimas a week ago from Rich. After some problems and losses unfortunately due to water being too pristine, the remaining ones I have are doing great. They evidently don't do well with too new water or large water changes. Clean, aged, well-filtered water, with smaller water changes seem in order.

They look like little fat torpedos and act like puppies with fins. No fear whatsoever, eat market shrimp like ravenous piranhas, and come up to the glass every time I go near it. They have become my favorite fish. Looking forward to many years of continual housing development for these amazing monster fish! Pictures don't do them justice, so I'll have some video done when my friend gets back from Houston.

It's great that they are eating so well already. How many pimas do you still have alive and what size are they?

 

[perfect_prefect]

i only got one from rich and it didnt make it, it went downhill for the 3 days i had it. wouldnt eat and then in the morning i woke up and it was floating.

 

[Otto_VonBacon]

Let's look at planning this first.

You've decided to buy an arapaima. First and foremost: Do your homework. Obviously, it's one of the biggest things you can buy. They grow quickly. Do not make the mistake of saying "I'll upgrade my tank as it grows." That is one of the most common errors with keeping these thigns. If you purchase a small juv fish, you won't have time to construct a proper size enclosure to house it by the time it reaches at size. Have you system up and running fully cycled PRIOR to even looking for the fish. Your best bet is to have other fish in there. Arapaima will thrive in a well established tank. They don't do well at all in a young sytem. Find out an estimated food/water/electric bill. It will add up fast. Make sure you can afford it after you purchase one. You need to make sure they are LEGAL to keep in your area. Regulations vary greatly. Just because you can get one from a legal supplier doesn't mean the fish was brought in legally or that keeping it where you live is legal. Arapaima fall under CITIES II. Several States also have specific regulations regarding them. As for other countries, I'm sure there are ways to find out, and would be more than happy to assist you with that when the time comes.

Let's talk housing: Think very, very big. I suggest no less than 30,000 gallons for an adult and 50,000 gallons for two or three. Swimming area is the key when designing a pool. Depth doesn't have to be much more than about 6 feet. I wouldn't got any narrower than about 10 feet across at any point in the pool. Corners are bad, so all edges should be rounded. Even round the side walls to the bottom. Doing that will also aide in keeping water moving as well. Substrtate should be a natural color, and fairly dark. Brown tones work best. I like to use a mix of small gravel as well as larger fist-sized stones (I'll get into why in a post about breeding.) Tank decor can be basic, but there needs to be something. I've found arapaima to be territorial during certain seasons, so having objects (like logs and boulders) aide in creating a comfortable area for the fish to live. Lighting should be from above. It's been my experience that arapaima do not like underwater lights at all. The pool should have both light and dark areas during the day. Edges fo the pool should be high. These guys are amazing jumpers, and you should consider that one might jump out of the water.

Questions? Should I go into more depth on these subjects, or move on to filters?

You should have started with the word "So". that way it would have sounded like some kind of educational video. "So You've decided to buy an arapaima." *guy walks with jacket over shoulder, and sets foot on a chair*

On topic: I'm watching that River Monsters show, the guy is hunting down an Arapaima. They look awesome. Must have one in the future... when i have enough room for a tank the size of a small house of course

 

[bmxer4ever]

You should have started with the word "So". that way it would have sounded like some kind of educational video. "So You've decided to buy an arapaima." *guy walks with jacket over shoulder, and sets foot on a chair*

On topic: I'm watching that River Monsters show, the guy is hunting down an Arapaima. They look awesome. Must have one in the future... when i have enough room for a tank the size of a small house of course

Keeping Arapaima NEEDS an educational video!
The only reason I know anything (intelligent) about these amazing animals is through people like ZooDiver, Johnptc and Arapaimag.

I can't imagine how anyone would think of keeping one.
As you say 'room for a tank the size of a small house'!
I think The House of Sam is the same size as my last bachelor pad....!

G

 

[arapaimag]

"Arapaima gigas"? Try "Arapaima arapaima"

Seems there are now 5 species of Arapaima......

1. A. gigas
2. A. agassizi
3. A. mapae

these 3 are known only from the preserved holotypes,
and have 18 or fewer caudal fin rays.

4. an undescribed species endemic to the protected Mamiraua reserve

5. Arapaima arapaima 31 caudal fin rays

All captive Arapaima are likely to be A. arapaima


http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.u...ent.php?sid=95
Last edited by blackghostuk; 03-06-2010 at 1:24 AM..

blackghostuk posted this info in another thread.

 

[mayurarohtagi]

Hi, Mayura here. I have no idea about this but it is wonderful pics of fishes

 

[quovadis]

Brutally well answered Could not see it coming haaaaaaaaaaa