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Arapaimo gigas, giant arapaimo
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Arapaimo gigas, giant arapaimo
Specimen of the giant arapaimo (Arapaimo gigas), the worlds largest fresh water fish growing up to 5m long. Found in Brazil, Guyana and Peru
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Media ID 8622334
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10717533
Actinopterygii Bony Fish Brazil Fishes Freshwater Giant Guyana Largest Museum Scientist Osteichthyes Peru Ray Finned Fish Research Scale Scientist South America South American Specimen Arapaima
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning specimen showcases the impressive size and unique features of the Arapaima gigas, also known as the giant arapaima or pirarucu. Native to the waters of South America, specifically in Brazil, Guyana, and Peru, this bony fish is the largest freshwater fish in the world, growing up to an astonishing length of 5 meters (16.4 feet). The Arapaima gigas is a member of the Osteoglossidae family, which is part of the larger superorder Osteoglossiformes. The Arapaima's massive size is not the only remarkable feature of this species. Its scales are large and plate-like, and its jaws are equipped with rows of sharp, bony plates. The fish's body is covered in large, polygonal scales, which help it to breathe air at the surface of the water. This adaptation allows the Arapaima to survive in low-oxygen environments, making it an important species in the complex ecosystems of the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. Scientists and researchers are continually studying the Arapaima gigas to better understand its biology and ecology. The fish's large size and unique physiology make it a fascinating subject for scientific inquiry. In this image, a museum scientist carefully examines the specimen, taking detailed measurements and notes for further analysis. The Arapaima gigas is an important cultural symbol in the regions where it is found. Indigenous communities in Brazil, Guyana, and Peru have hunted and fished for this species for centuries, using it as a source of food and for traditional medicinal purposes. Despite its significance, however, the Arapaima gigas is currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, due to overfishing and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this remarkable species and ensure its survival for future generations.
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