Arapaima Gigas

[WyldFya]

what do you think the minumim size it needs to be for 3 arapima gigas? do they grow fast like an RTC?

Check out the first page of the thread.

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.

 

[johnptc]

they grow really fast !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Zoodiver]

A figure 8 shaped pool would be nice. Just make it so the animal doesn't have to back up to turn around. It's very hard for them to do. Think in terms off swiming forward and how to take the corners.
At work I've been given the 125,000 gallon tank to care for. I would LOVE to switch it over too S Am fish but, the shape is wrong for arapaima. It's a 14' deep triangle shaped tank. An adult arapaima wouldn't manage well in there without major re-working of the corners......My point is even though the gallons are there, the space isn't right.

 

[bmxer4ever]

i have heard that this practice is common in places like japan where they love monster fish but the folks live in small spaces............

Can't remember where I found the pics of this tank, but I thought it was ridiculous when I saw it. A giant 'pima, a smaller one, arowana and oscars in a tank that size? Absolutely mental.
Cruel is the word - how on earth can that big 'pima be happy? Can't even turn around. Think you're right John - looks like a pic from an oriental site.

I was interested to see what Zoodiver said about 'pimas needing rounded corners in their tanks/ponds. Makes sense for a fish that size. Not all fish have a reverse gear!

Happy to see more people have joined this thread....keep it up. It's starting to fulfill it's purpose!

 

[Redtail_Watcher]

I decide to hold of on the Arapimas gigas, until i got them a big tank or pond do you think that a 12x12ft pond like the guy Anythingfish, is reasonable?http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29974&page=3&highlight=diy+tank

 

[Zoodiver]

Size can be looked at in a very simple method. Average length for an arapaima gigas is 10 feet. Some have been up to 15 feet. I've seen 14 feet in person, so it's not out of the question. Now put that length of your adult animal and figure out how it will fit in a tank/pond. Big circles, ovals or figure eight tanks/ponds are the best for them.

 

[NIN1337]

no one should ever keep an arapaima gigas.

 

[johnptc]

no one should ever keep an arapaima gigas.

you are right.....we should just let the natives kill them all and never breed them in captivity.................try harder on your next post.

 

[DeLgAdO]

you are right.....we should just let the natives kill them all and never breed them in captivity.................try harder on your next post.

well he is right to some extent

this fish is just to large for the average fish keeper

 

[johnptc]

well he is right to some extent

this fish is just to large for the average fish keeper

I agree !!!!!!!!! but a giga doesnt even fit in an average tank he needs a MONSTER tank for sure !!!!!!!!!!