View Full Version : Arapaima Gigas
bmxer4ever
07-19-2007, 8:50 AM
bmxer4ever: You did a great job getting this thread started and just as important, you kept it going by asking numerous questions valuable to us monster keepers. Thank you.
I've been meaning to thank you for your kind words for months now!
That means a lot coming from a monsterfishkeeper like yourself!
It's been fascinating watching this thread develop - never thought it would end up with over 10,000 views - phew!
Most importantly, it has achieved it's goal - namely finding out and sharing as much information about these amazing creatures as we can. Let's see if we can get the Mods to make this the Official 'Pima Thread!!
Thanks to everyone for keeping it going and long may it continue - I'm lovin' it!
Now, any news on where we can source a Golden 'Pima...?!
Nabbig2
07-19-2007, 9:16 AM
If you havn't seen this already, check it out in the articles forum...
(all photos used with permission)
thats a huge tank, and a nice one!
For such a huge predatorial fish, I think the Pima with its red scales patters looks really beatiful as well. I guess it is also part of the reason why so many aspiring newbies (such as myself) dream of owning one....
Can't imagine hand feeding a full grown one tho lol
bmxer4ever
07-21-2007, 7:04 PM
For such a huge predatorial fish, I think the Pima with its red scales patters looks really beatiful as well. I guess it is also part of the reason why so many aspiring newbies (such as myself) dream of owning one....
Can't imagine hand feeding a full grown one tho lol
Asks Zoodiver....it's his job to do it!
Check out his Amazon project pics in the photo lounge....
bmxer4ever
08-08-2007, 5:24 PM
Where is everyone?
Havn't checked this thread in a while, and it looks like I'm not the only one!
Anyone out there...?!
johnptc
08-08-2007, 5:33 PM
Where is everyone?
Havn't checked this thread in a while, and it looks like I'm not the only one!
Anyone out there...?!
bump
Onion01
08-09-2007, 7:29 PM
I am originally from brazil, and one of the earliest memories I have was seeing one of these fullgrown kings in a large viewing tank. They are what inspired me to be a monster fish keeper. If God chooses to bless me, I will someday have one of these of my own In at least a 10,000-15,000 gallon pond. I honestly believe that anything less is a crime.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=43247&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1156938256 (http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=43247&d=1156938256)
No animal as majestic and wonderful deserves this fate :(
Hey Zookeeper, you seem to have an awesome job. Where do you work to come in contact with these animals so much? Or do you keep some as well?
This is an excellent thread!!! Please keep it going.
johnptc
08-09-2007, 8:59 PM
This is an excellent thread!!! Please keep it going.
bump
Onion01
08-09-2007, 9:16 PM
bumpidy-bump
bmxer4ever
08-10-2007, 2:01 PM
Quit bumpin' and start contributing......hahaha!
And I don't mean you John....I think it's safe to say you've done MORE than enough!
adobongrabbit
08-12-2007, 4:51 AM
nice pix!
Zoodiver
08-12-2007, 6:40 AM
Hey Zookeeper, you seem to have an awesome job. Where do you work to come in contact with these animals so much? Or do you keep some as well?
I set up large scale South American displays for any major facility nice enough to ask. :D I just opened one here. (www.minnesotaaquarium.com)
bmxer4ever
08-30-2007, 2:14 PM
Hey Zoodiver, how is the "Sneak Sam away from John PTC when he's not looking" plan coming along(!)....?!
Where do you think your 'Pima (and Sam, since they look so similar), were collected? Or do you think they were "captive" bred on a farm like the one Arapaima Farmer runs?
Don't think i've ever asked you this question before.
Does the paperwork required with every 'pima tell you where they came from?
And do you have any idea of how to sex them?
Wouldn't THAT be cool if your 'pima and sam were a male and a female...?!
Arapaima breeding.....!
Oh dear, now I'm just getting carried away...heehee!
johnptc
08-30-2007, 2:26 PM
Hey Zoodiver, how is the "Sneak Sam away from John PTC when he's not looking" plan coming along(!)....?!
Where do you think your 'Pima (and Sam, since they look so similar), were collected? Or do you think they were "captive" bred on a farm like the one Arapaima Farmer runs?
Don't think i've ever asked you this question before.
Does the paperwork required with every 'pima tell you where they came from?
And do you have any idea of how to sex them?
Wouldn't THAT be cool if your 'pima and sam were a male and a female...?!
Arapaima breeding.....!
Oh dear, now I'm just getting carried away...heehee!
captive breed peru imo
not sexable until they mate
Zoodiver
09-02-2007, 8:45 AM
x2. The one I have on display was from a legal farm breeding program in South America. The issue became how it got into the US - smuggled.
Sexing is easy once they mate. The male make the nest and will "pursue" the female until he wears her down (much like humans -haha). The male also secretes an enzyme rich 'fluid' from glands in his head for the fry (similar to how discus care for their young). I've never been able to breed my collections. The closest I've seen is males nesting and chasing the females.
bmxer4ever
09-08-2007, 7:37 PM
captive breed peru imo
not sexable until they mate
x2. The one I have on display was from a legal farm breeding program in South America. The issue became how it got into the US - smuggled.
Sexing is easy once they mate. The male make the nest and will "pursue" the female until he wears her down (much like humans -haha). The male also secretes an enzyme rich 'fluid' from glands in his head for the fry (similar to how discus care for their young). I've never been able to breed my collections. The closest I've seen is males nesting and chasing the females.
Cool! Thanks for that guys.
TLkmDN
09-18-2007, 2:02 AM
i dont know where my arapaima came from. i just bought it from a fish shop. no paperwork required. no questions asked. a bit dodgy lol.
ausknife
09-20-2007, 8:45 PM
the aquarium up the road from me had some a few months ago for $1500. no paperwork.
bmxer4ever
09-27-2007, 2:15 PM
The more I read about these fish and the amount that are sold into the trade and onto the hobby, I can't help but wonder where they all go?
When you consider that a 100 gallon tank would just be a growout for a baby 'Pima, and, let's face it, there aren't THAT many people out there that have anything bigger, where do all the juvie 'Pimas end up?
Do most die before they get very big (and by that I mean bigger than 12-18") because they are kept in small tanks and get stressed out?
Do people release them?
Do people eat them?
There can't be many public aquariums that have room for one, so that rules that out as well.
It's a mystery to me.
Anyone have any theories?
cichlaguapote
09-27-2007, 2:21 PM
I'm betting many of the babys sold actually end up dead due to stress or unknown reasons. A few people in tropical areas that have high temps year round will through them in their pools probably if they make it to large sizes. Time will tell where they end up when year or two from now we know they're out there and whether or not we see "4' pima needs adoption" everywhere..
bmxer4ever
09-27-2007, 3:01 PM
These quotes prove my point.....
i dont know where my arapaima came from. i just bought it from a fish shop. no paperwork required. no questions asked. a bit dodgy lol.
the aquarium up the road from me had some a few months ago for $1500. no paperwork.
Where are these 'Pimas gonna end up?
I know of only one John PTC, one Arapaimag, one Zoodiver (thank god...!!), so where the hell are all these gentle giants going to go?!!
pirarucu319
09-27-2007, 9:33 PM
yup nice fish..:nilly:
i can't wait when my pima get that monster size..
gonna add 2 more..:D
ANCIENT MONSTER RULEZ :arapaimag :asianarow
Zoodiver
09-28-2007, 8:29 AM
When I started looking for an arapaima, I could get 8-12" all over. I needed a big one to start with. I only found two in the US that were for sale, and one of the people wouldn't respond to my questions. The one we picked up for display was from another member here - who was a big help in getting it here.
I bet 98% of them die before they see 12". Aside from that, I'm sure there are some out there, and the owners just don't talk about them.
bmxer4ever
09-28-2007, 9:45 AM
When I started looking for an arapaima, I could get 8-12" all over. I needed a big one to start with. I only found two in the US that were for sale, and one of the people wouldn't respond to my questions. The one we picked up for display was from another member here - who was a big help in getting it here.
I bet 98% of them die before they see 12". Aside from that, I'm sure there are some out there, and the owners just don't talk about them.
This was where my thoughts were too. But then that got me to thinking..... Is that a similar percentage for ALL fish sold in the hobby? How many of our little fishy friends actually die of old age in our aquaria?
johnptc
11-02-2007, 10:28 AM
bump for a great thread
TLkmDN
11-02-2007, 8:18 PM
These quotes prove my point.....
Where are these 'Pimas gonna end up?
I know of only one John PTC, one Arapaimag, one Zoodiver (thank god...!!), so where the hell are all these gentle giants going to go?!!
mine is gona end up in my pond. then in my lake. so yeh its pretty much set for life. the lake already has its own ecosystem set up with only one large resident silver arow and one large resident snakehead inside. the arapaima shud be the king by the time he goes in.
vinson lim
11-03-2007, 1:58 AM
mine is gona end up in my pond. then in my lake. so yeh its pretty much set for life. the lake already has its own ecosystem set up with only one large resident silver arow and one large resident snakehead inside. the arapaima shud be the king by the time he goes in.
that pond that u mention was jst nearby yr house ( at sieramas) right?
TLkmDN
11-03-2007, 7:10 AM
ya the pond is in my actual house but the lake is behind there
pirarucu319
11-03-2007, 11:00 AM
what..argig in sieramas lake..how big that lake??that gonna be awesome..post some pic ..
TLkmDN
11-03-2007, 11:39 AM
man the lake is huge...about 130 meters by 50 meters??? im judging in meters cause i run around there quite a lot. its got a lot of fish people threw in there. like flowerhorns....red devils...HEAPS of koi/carp one large silver arowana and a HUGE red snakehead and a couple of turtles. i swear i keep seeing a huge dark shadow under the water but it never seems to surface....ive only seen the snakehead twice...and jesus it was thicker than my thighs...around 4 feet...ill take pics on the 17th of nov wen im back
artemis1
11-05-2007, 8:09 PM
wow. that's a big snakehead
awesome pic johnptc!
bmxer4ever
11-06-2007, 10:05 AM
man the lake is huge...about 130 meters by 50 meters??? im judging in meters cause i run around there quite a lot. its got a lot of fish people threw in there. like flowerhorns....red devils...HEAPS of koi/carp one large silver arowana and a HUGE red snakehead and a couple of turtles. i swear i keep seeing a huge dark shadow under the water but it never seems to surface....ive only seen the snakehead twice...and jesus it was thicker than my thighs...around 4 feet...ill take pics on the 17th of nov wen im back
That sounds scary! What do you think it is? Big catfish? You should take some floating pellet food out with you next time and throw it out, see what comes to the surface! And get a net ready.....!!
man the lake is huge...about 130 meters by 50 meters??? im judging in meters cause i run around there quite a lot. its got a lot of fish people threw in there. like flowerhorns....red devils...HEAPS of koi/carp one large silver arowana and a HUGE red snakehead and a couple of turtles. i swear i keep seeing a huge dark shadow under the water but it never seems to surface....ive only seen the snakehead twice...and jesus it was thicker than my thighs...around 4 feet...ill take pics on the 17th of nov wen im back
can't wait to see the pics! :D:drool:
Zoodiver
11-12-2007, 3:46 PM
I added a few more pics to the Amazon thread in the photo area.
bmxer4ever
11-14-2007, 7:01 AM
I added a few more pics to the Amazon thread in the photo area.
Thanks Matt - I love that thread - long may it continue!
no one should ever keep an arapaima gigas.
you bastard moron.....:banhim:
TLkmDN
12-13-2007, 3:46 AM
you bastard moron.....:banhim:
LOL so mean! no no
TRYLSTEG808
12-15-2007, 11:06 AM
I am originally from brazil, and one of the earliest memories I have was seeing one of these fullgrown kings in a large viewing tank. They are what inspired me to be a monster fish keeper. If God chooses to bless me, I will someday have one of these of my own In at least a 10,000-15,000 gallon pond. I honestly believe that anything less is a crime.
No animal as majestic and wonderful deserves this fate :(
Hey Zookeeper, you seem to have an awesome job. Where do you work to come in contact with these animals so much? Or do you keep some as well?
how big is this tank?
johnptc
12-15-2007, 11:18 AM
how big is this tank?
zoo's tank is 145000 us gallons :headbang2
Justin94565
05-20-2008, 3:20 AM
Beautiful fish :)
johnptc
05-20-2008, 7:07 AM
Beautiful fish :)
:headbang2:headbang2:headbang2
BaTsBR
05-20-2008, 12:37 PM
you bastard moron.....:banhim:
:headbang2:headbang2
Would like to know his point of view, from the one who said gigas should not be kept.
bmxer4ever
05-20-2008, 2:52 PM
Hello again everyone,been away for a while - busy on another non fish forum (gasp!)- good to see the thread's still going.
I see anythingfish has FIVE pimas going now!
NEED to see a pic of his massive tank now!
CichlaRyan
11-30-2008, 7:10 PM
dude im getting pima fever will advil cure me >.>
johnptc
11-30-2008, 7:28 PM
the price of electricity may...........
Fishsiam
12-03-2008, 8:19 AM
The Fishsiam team in Thailand has been catching Arapaima gigas for almost ten years.We have caught these prehistoric predators to a whopping 180kg's.
I have attached a few pictures.
All fish were caught from Bungsamran Lake in Bangkok and IT Lake Monsters in Ratchaburi Thailand.
The fish's weights in order 140kg+,100-110kg,160kg and 145kg.
http://www.fishsiam.com
johnptc
12-03-2008, 11:17 AM
great pics thanks
arapaimag
04-08-2009, 3:54 PM
Any more pictures from Thailand?
perfect_prefect
04-08-2009, 10:56 PM
those are some beautiful paima's how large is yours now john?
nolapete
04-12-2009, 2:46 PM
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
04-12-2009, 7:11 PM
It's great that they are eating so well already. How many pimas do you still have alive and what size are they?
johnptc
04-12-2009, 8:16 PM
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
04-12-2009, 8:58 PM
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
04-12-2009, 10:47 PM
:( 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
05-04-2009, 12:53 AM
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:ROFL:
bmxer4ever
03-01-2010, 9:14 AM
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:ROFL:
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
03-11-2010, 7:41 PM
"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
03-11-2010, 10:55 PM
Hi, Mayura here. I have no idea about this but it is wonderful pics of fishes