Arapaima Trivia Questions

Arapaima are naturally found in the Amazon and Essequibo river basins of South America, not in Africa or Asia.

Arapaima are native only to South America, primarily the Amazon basin. They are not present in African rivers like the Nile.

Arapaima have a swim bladder that functions like a lung, allowing them to breathe atmospheric oxygen, which is essential in oxygen-poor Amazon waters.

The largest recorded arapaima measured about 3.2 meters, though most are smaller. They are among the largest freshwater fish.

The heaviest arapaima recorded weighed about 200 kg (440 lbs). Claims of 2,000 pounds are greatly exaggerated and unsupported.

Electric eels produce shocks; arapaima lack electric organs. They catch prey by speed and suction, not electricity.

Arapaima belong to the order Osteoglossiformes (bony-tongued fish), not Siluriformes (catfish). They have distinct scales and a bony tongue.

Arapaima were brought to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, in the 20th century for aquaculture and have since become invasive in some areas.