![]() The arapaima has a fundamental dependence on surface air to breathe. ![]() The hard, corrugated surface of the outer layer, and the tough internal collagen layers work synergistically to contribute to their ability to flex and deform while providing strength and protection-a solution that allows the fish to remain mobile while heavily armored. In a structure similar to plywood, the fibres in each successive layer are oriented at large angles to those in the previous layer, increasing toughness. It is streamlined and sleek, with its dorsal and anal fins set near its tail.Īrapaima scales have a mineralised, hard, outer layer with a corrugated surface under which lie several layers of collagen fibres in a Bouligand-type arrangement. The arapaima is torpedo-shaped, with large, blackish-green scales and red markings. As a result of overfishing, arapaima more than 2 m (6 ft 7 in) are seldom found in the wild. Anecdotal reports suggest that specimens as long as 4.57 m (15 ft 0 in) exist, but verification is deemed impossible, and thus considered questionable. The maximum recorded weight for the species is 200 kg (440 lb), while the longest recorded length verified was 3.07 m (10 ft 1 in). Morphology Arapaima leptosoma shown at its full lengthĪrapaima can reach lengths more than 2 m (6 ft 7 in), in some exceptional cases even exceeding 2.6 m (8 ft 6 in) and over 100 kg (220 lb). Sites such as these offer the likelihood of diversity. These fish are widely dispersed and do not migrate, which leads scientists to suppose that more species are waiting to be discovered in the depths of the Amazon Basin harbors. Arapaima mapae (Valenciennes, 1847) (Mapa arapaima).Stewart, 2013 (slender arapaima Solimoes arapaima) Arapaima gigas ( Schinz, 1822) ( pirarucu, arapaima).Arapaima agassizii (Valenciennes, 1847) (Agassiz's arapaima).arapaima, should be recognized (this being the widespread, well-known species, otherwise included in A. In addition to these, evidence suggests that a fifth species, A. Taxonomy įishBase recognizes four species in the genus. ![]() agassizii from old detailed drawings (the type specimen itself was lost during World War II bombings) and A. The remaining species are virtually unknown: A. leptosoma also have been recorded in the aquarium trade. The regularly seen and studied species is A. gigas, but this species is only known from old museum specimens and the exact native range is unclear. ![]() As a consequence of this taxonomic confusion, most earlier studies were done using the name A. Īrapaima was traditionally regarded as a monotypic genus, but later, several species were distinguished. Its Portuguese name, pirarucu, derives from the Tupi language words pira and urucum, meaning "red fish". In Kerala, India, arapaima escaped from aquaculture ponds after floods in 2018. In contrast, arapaima have been introduced to several tropical regions outside the native range (within South America and elsewhere), where they are sometimes considered invasive species. They have declined in the native range due to overfishing and habitat loss. They are among the world's largest freshwater fish, reaching as much as 3 m (9.8 ft) in length. Arapaima is the type genus of the subfamily Arapaiminae within the family Osteoglossidae. The arapaima, pirarucu, or paiche is any large species of bonytongue in the genus Arapaima native to the Amazon and Essequibo basins of South America. ![]()
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