Arapaima

[ray777]

I had one that was 5in. lived for a month then died. I had some buddies have the same thing happen. Tell me everything there is to keep one alive. As far as I know I had everything right. It ate mostly feeders and cut-up nightcrawlers. I had the temp at 81-82F. 90 Gallon tank with 3 african pikes the same size and orange pike cichlid same size. Two aquaclear 110 and eheim professional 2 canister 2028. Water change once a week. What quality of water do they prefer or did my pike stress him out after a month???

[csx4236]

When young there very weak fish and seem to stress and die very easily.

[mansterkill]

ya.... your arapaima got stressed out....... besides it was very young at 5in. try to get something more than 8in at least. cheers

[Zoodiver]

I wouldn't start them out with any other fish. I've done best with just arapaima juvies in tanks by themselves. 90 is a fairly small start as well. Try stating at about a 300 to 500 gallon. Within a year, expect to have 10,000 gallons. At 4 years, you'll need 30K or more. It's best to have the end tank up and running correctly prior to starting them in the small tank. I've yet to see someone get a young arapaima and be able to build a big enough tank by the time the fish needs it. Make sure the tanks are fully cycled.

Need to know more about your set up as well. Substrate? Decor? Lighting? Water parameters? How old was the set up?

[Bogwoodbruce]

I reckon taht the pike could have killed it or stressed it and then it died.

[ray777]

I wouldn't start them out with any other fish. I've done best with just arapaima juvies in tanks by themselves. 90 is a fairly small start as well. Try stating at about a 300 to 500 gallon. Within a year, expect to have 10,000 gallons. At 4 years, you'll need 30K or more. It's best to have the end tank up and running correctly prior to starting them in the small tank. I've yet to see someone get a young arapaima and be able to build a big enough tank by the time the fish needs it. Make sure the tanks are fully cycled.

Need to know more about your set up as well. Substrate? Decor? Lighting? Water parameters? How old was the set up?

A lil dramatic are we?? The set up was fine as far as water parmeters, lighting, decor, substrate and setup time. I was just raising it for someone. I dont think to many people will do what you are saying is necessary for the fish. But then again maybe we shouldnt be selling them if thats the case. I am pretty sure he was just to small and being stressed by the pikes my fault!!

[ewurm]

A lil dramatic are we?? The set up was fine as far as water parmeters, lighting, decor, substrate and setup time. I was just raising it for someone. I dont think to many people will do what you are saying is necessary for the fish. But then again maybe we shouldnt be selling them if thats the case. I am pretty sure he was just to small and being stressed by the pikes my fault!!

He's right, a 90 gallon setup for an arapaima at any stage is a waste of time. And you're right, they shouldn't be sold, it should require a permit to obtain one.

[cichlaguapote]

I know a couple people who have had them die at smaller sizes. But I remember either zoo or john(and mansterkill apparently) saying they're are very fragile at this size

[mansterkill]

I got my gigas pair at about 7inches each. they had no other tankmates aside from themselves. in my experience with arapaimas, a couple of things have to go wrong all together for them to die. perhaps a combination of stress and diet. or maybe it was sick in the fist place. in any case, they are a relatively strong type of fish. cheers

[ray777]

Whatever the case is there is nothing wrong with starting a 5inch pima in a 90 gallon and moving him more then likely in a month or so to a bigger tank. The real problem is that I heard they are very strong fish except when they are small and when they are big and you have to transfer them. I also have no clue how long the wholesaler had it before he shipped it to me. Either way sensitive subject lol

[cichlaguapote]

Either way sensitive subject lol

Which is why most who have them starting them out in smaller tanks don't come out to tell. Sadly.

I know someone who had 6 in a rubbermaid tub.. :ROFL:

[Zoodiver]

A lil dramatic are we?? The set up was fine as far as water parmeters, lighting, decor, substrate and setup time. I was just raising it for someone. I dont think to many people will do what you are saying is necessary for the fish. But then again maybe we shouldnt be selling them if thats the case. I am pretty sure he was just to small and being stressed by the pikes my fault!!

Not really. Most at that small size in that small of a tank die. I keep mine the way I described and have raised dozens to full size (yes, FULL size). You tell me which way works. You say everything was fine - but yet the fish died. So apparently everything was NOT fine.

Of course most people aren't going to raise them like I suggested. Then again, those are the same people who shouldn't have them in the first place. If you can't provide for an animal it's entire life, you shouldn't have it. I don't think the general public should be allowed to have these fish - but we all know my feelings on them.

[ray777]

Not really. Most at that small size in that small of a tank die. I keep mine the way I described and have raised dozens to full size (yes, FULL size). You tell me which way works. You say everything was fine - but yet the fish died. So apparently everything was NOT fine.

Of course most people aren't going to raise them like I suggested. Then again, those are the same people who shouldn't have them in the first place. If you can't provide for an animal it's entire life, you shouldn't have it. I don't think the general public should be allowed to have these fish - but we all know my feelings on them.

And you raise these at your personal home and have fish tanks or ponds this big???? You are right people should not have them. But as long as they are being offered people will buy them up and raise them til they die. My tank was fine except for his tankmates. I have realized that they are becoming agressive and couldn't watch them24/7 to realize they probly stressed him out. Or who knows he could of had something internal I just didnt see signs of. So yes it was MY FAULT it died. But to say a 90 gallon is to small for a 5inch fish for a couple months is insane!!

[johnptc]

since they all come from fish farms most will be raised for food and killed..........not a nice choice

[Zoodiver]

But to say a 90 gallon is to small for a 5inch fish for a couple months is insane!!

Not really. The whole inch per gallon rule is a joke. These fish do best in larger scale tanks. It's a proven fact.
And no, I don't have anything even close to an arapaima tank at my house. My biggest right now is only a 90 :D

[ray777]

Lol see you are saying all this cuz you work at a public place where they have large scale aquariums. I am not knocking you at all just saying that the fish would be ok for a while. Not only that but I know I couldn't house him for a while, I was just raising it for a friend and what he does with it is his decision. I still don't get how it wouldn't be ok in a 90g. So would a 210 be better.

[Zoodiver]

Like I said, start at 300-500 gallons. Those 750 gallon pool free stadning pools from Aqautic Eco work great with just a small sand filter on them. With soft sides and no corners, they make the ideal grow out tank for the first 5-6 months.

I'm not saying go big because I do. This is just what it takes - flat out. Nobody has success with small animals in small tanks. I know several places that tried growing up small arapaima in small holding awaiting transfer into larger displays - and they died. Same water parameters, same substrate, same everything but in a larger tank at the same facility and the results were great.

My juives did best when there were both light and dark areas as well as both minimal and high flow areas. They would use all the conditions as they wanted. It was fun to watch.

[ray777]

How many people out there have grown them like zoodiver says? How many have grown them out in normal aquariums?? Zoodiver I give up. I just wont try them. Where is this place at that you work at would love to see it?

[johnptc]

How many people out there have grown them like zoodiver says? How many have grown them out in normal aquariums?? Zoodiver I give up. I just wont try them. Where is this place at that you work at would love to see it?

i grew two out in a 400 gallon.........:):) after....

i tried to raise two starting ( 6 inch) in a 60 gallon and killed them both.:(:(

[Zoodiver]

I've grown out over 30.

I just put together the un-official second largest (by volume) in the world Amazon display. With over 60 species and pushing 1,000 animals right now (making it the largest by animals displayed).

Prior to that I ran the largest Amazon aquarium/zoo exhibit in the world with one of the largest collections of arapaima on display.

My current project is here:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51543

[TLkmDN]

wow zoodiver dont need to show off. i co-own the largest freshwater exhibit in the world in the malaysian convention centre. we have an 11 foot arapaima which could eat ures for breakfast.

[Zoodiver]

How many gallons is your tank? I've heard a few claims to the "largest in the world". And I never claimed my current animal was big. He's only 6 feet. The largest I've had was 14'. But I'm not bragging, just putting out real world info about a greatly misunderstood fish.

[TLkmDN]

im not sure about the exact gallons but it is an exhibit approximately the size of 2 olympic size pools. its one of the biggest freshwater exhibits in the world. keeping in mind this was the case 2 years ago when it was first built. im not sure about now. but the arapaima we imported in the tank is the largest ive ever seen in person. 'suzy' measures 11 feet and 4 inches long.

[johnptc]

im not sure about the exact gallons but it is an exhibit approximately the size of 2 olympic size pools. its one of the biggest freshwater exhibits in the world. keeping in mind this was the case 2 years ago when it was first built. im not sure about now. but the arapaima we imported in the tank is the largest ive ever seen in person. 'suzy' measures 11 feet and 4 inches long.


sam the giga sends suzy the giga his love :D:D:D:D

[Zoodiver]

Lots arapaima love floating around.

Most of the largest freshwater exhibits out there are in the 200,000 gallon range.

[Axel]

Holy **** two Olympic swimming pool!!!! I swim in one every day, that is freaking huge! I would love to just be alowed into that place! To sit and stare, or maybe work...

[TLkmDN]

Holy **** two Olympic swimming pool!!!! I swim in one every day, that is freaking huge! I would love to just be alowed into that place! To sit and stare, or maybe work...
yeh well if you ever come to malaysia pm me and ill hook u up.

[Zoodiver]

Got a name or pics of this aquarium? How about a lenght/width/depth of the pool. It's easy to figure gallons from there.

[pirarucu319]

my baby pima always imitate his snakehead friend..
maybe lot of stressed due to different menu and differ looking tankmates.
but it should be no problem ..
better you try bigger one, 8"-10"..
that will be fine.
good luck mate:headbang2

to TLkmDN---are you talking about KLCC aquaria??
that flooded forest tank that placed pima is really big.
BIG TANK AND BIG MONSTER..
have you visited KLCC aquaria??
any pic ??
i visited long time ago..many pic.

ANCIENT MONSTER RULEZ :arapaimag :asianarow

[Druu]

wow zoodiver dont need to show off. i co-own the largest freshwater exhibit in the world in the malaysian convention centre. we have an 11 foot arapaima which could eat ures for breakfast.

It doesn't look like zoodiver is the one showing off. In separate posts you claim to co-own the largest exhibit but also claim to only work there. Which is it?

[Eupterus]

I wish I could see both of your setups. I have never seen a live arapaima, just a stuffed one in a natural history museum.

[TLkmDN]

YES im talking about the flooded aquaria. my dad and a bunch of his friends got involved to start it up a couple of years ago. the arapaima has a grown a lot. now we have 3 in the exhibit. there is also a huge wallago leeri in the underground rainforest tank.

[Zoodiver]

YES im talking about the flooded aquaria. my dad and a bunch of his friends got involved to start it up a couple of years ago. the arapaima has a grown a lot. now we have 3 in the exhibit. there is also a huge wallago leeri in the underground rainforest tank.

Do you guys have a webstie? I'm very interested in reading more.

[johnptc]

how about some pics ??? please

[pirarucu319]

TLkmDN..
how about pic's???


ANCIENT MONSTER RULEZ :arapaimag :asianarow

[TLkmDN]

this is the official website. i think it has some pictures but they r not that great. im actually visiting there tomorow so ill take pictures for myself to show you guys more of the freshwater beasts. : http://www.klaquaria.com/faqs.html

[Zoodiver]

On that website it appears the Amazon tank is a cylider set up.... is that correct?

http://www.klaquaria.com/tubetank.html

[TLkmDN]

oh no no the amazon set up is not just one tank. it is more like a whole section of the exhibit consisting of a multitude of tanks. the arapaimas, RTCS and other are kept in a larger box-like aquarium whereas the smaller knifefish and others are kept in that large cylinder. there is also a kind of below ground pond where there are giant turtles, knifefish and the wallago. ill take pics tomorow morning. my plane flight home is in exactly 6 hours!!! i cant wait.

[Miles]

wow zoodiver dont need to show off. i co-own the largest freshwater exhibit in the world in the malaysian convention centre. we have an 11 foot arapaima which could eat ures for breakfast.

:ROFL:

You co-own the largest 'box-like aquarium' freshwater exhibit in the world?

:ROFL:

I hope you were joking.. :)

[cichlaguapote]

:ROFL:

You co-own the largest 'box-like aquarium' freshwater exhibit in the world?

:ROFL:

I hope you were joking.. :)

Easy on the non-english as 1st language people.. he probably meant the tank is a rectangle shape not that he's keeping them in a 125g..;)

[TLkmDN]

yeh yeh thats wat i meant...sorry for the confusion. thanks chichlagua

[Zoodiver]

Forgive me, but I'm still skeptical on the "world's largest" claim. I'll be convinced when I get gallons or measurements.

[TLkmDN]

Forgive me, but I'm still skeptical on the "world's largest" claim. I'll be convinced when I get gallons or measurements.
look alrite...u dont have to get all competitive or jealous or wtv ok...just settle down...this is meant to be a friendly fish website where we share not compare...so just settle down. and i admit i was wrong. my dad just corrected me and sed its the largest exhibit in south east asia NOT the world...

[Zoodiver]

It's cool. I'm not trying to be upset about it or anything. I just wondered if there was a big one out there I didn't know about. I like to stay on top of who is doing what when it comes to large scale exhibits....especially Amazon stuff.

[Miles]

look alrite...u dont have to get all competitive or jealous or wtv ok...just settle down...this is meant to be a friendly fish website where we share not compare...so just settle down. and i admit i was wrong. my dad just corrected me and sed its the largest exhibit in south east asia NOT the world...

Uh. :nilly: You're the one who started it with your first post.. A pompous comment full of lies, instigating the whole thing. "My pima would eat ures.." What kind of crap is that?

Now you are complaining about friendly fish website? Zoodiver was trying to help. He has been very civil and friendly through-out this thread, and you acted like a child.


Zoodiver knows his stuff. He is not exaggerating. If anyone knows about Airapima's, it would be him.

This fish gets 14 feet long. 14 feet. Say it with me now "Fourrrr-Teeeeen-Feeeet"...

It does not belong in home aquaria.

90g is not big enough for it, at any stage..


And to the original poster, if you create a post asking a question.. like "why did this pima die".. then people tell you "too small of a tank" for you to immediately rebuttle "it's not the tank size'.. then why would you ask that question? The fish died, didn't it? :screwy:

Obviously you really didn't want help, or you just have a hard time accepting the fact that these fish died from ignorance.. atleast you can drop the blame on the buddy you were keeping it for.. Were you just going to grow it out, while he works on that 30,000g tank?


Sorry not trying to be a jerk.. But I am watching Zoodiver politely try to inform people, while getting bashed on for 'going over the top'.. when he is the only one who seems to have a notion of practicality when it comes to the 'longest fw fish in the world'..

'Foooooouuuuuuurrrrrrrr-teeeeeeeennnnnnnn-feeeeeeeetttttttttt'

:(

[cichlaguapote]

Uh. :nilly: You're the one who started it with your first post.. A pompous comment full of lies, instigating the whole thing. "My pima would eat ures.." What kind of crap is that?

Now you are complaining about friendly fish website? Zoodiver was trying to help. He has been very civil and friendly through-out this thread, and you acted like a child.


Zoodiver knows his stuff. He is not exaggerating. If anyone knows about Airapima's, it would be him.

This fish gets 14 feet long. 14 feet. Say it with me now "Fourrrr-Teeeeen-Feeeet"...

It does not belong in home aquaria.

90g is not big enough for it, at any stage..


And to the original poster, if you create a post asking a question.. like "why did this pima die".. then people tell you "too small of a tank" for you to immediately rebuttle "it's not the tank size'.. then why would you ask that question? The fish died, didn't it? :screwy:

Obviously you really didn't want help, or you just have a hard time accepting the fact that these fish died from ignorance.. atleast you can drop the blame on the buddy you were keeping it for.. Were you just going to grow it out, while he works on that 30,000g tank?


Sorry not trying to be a jerk.. But I am watching Zoodiver politely try to inform people, while getting bashed on for 'going over the top'.. when he is the only one who seems to have a notion of practicality when it comes to the 'longest fw fish in the world'..

'Foooooouuuuuuurrrrrrrr-teeeeeeeennnnnnnn-feeeeeeeetttttttttt'

:(

First... I think the "my pima would eat yours" was a little bit of boasting and joke all in one.. obviously that was before he knew other people on the site(zoo/john) were in possession of large pimas. It wasn't brought up again.

Zoodiver does know alot. Won't disagree. As always there's more than one way to skin a cat. Sure tank size could be a reason for deaths but more input like the original poster was looking for would help reassure him that was the reason and not something else. I couldn't bare to name all the people/lfs that keep them in less than 400g tanks when small unless they die only when they reach a certain size in smaller tanks. And after john posted his two died in a 60g I think that was reassurance as it could be the reason.

Whether his buddy has a 30,000 gallon(johns tank isn't even that size) tank or not shouldn't be an issue. He was looking for an answer to explain the deaths. If everytime someone looks for an answer to explain a death you say "you didn't have a big enough tank for long term anyways" then this hobby will go no where and never advance.

The only person who acted like a child is the person who said:


You co-own the largest 'box-like aquarium' freshwater exhibit in the world?



I hope you were joking..

Give the guy a break. If you're from malaysia you might have a hard time describing things in english.

[ray777]

90g is not big enough for it, at any stage..

And to the original poster, if you create a post asking a question.. like "why did this pima die".. then people tell you "too small of a tank" for you to immediately rebuttle "it's not the tank size'.. then why would you ask that question? The fish died, didn't it? :screwy:

Obviously you really didn't want help, or you just have a hard time accepting the fact that these fish died from ignorance.. atleast you can drop the blame on the buddy you were keeping it for.. Were you just going to grow it out, while he works on that 30,000g tank?

:(

First of all I don't care what you think about that tank size. The tank is plenty big for that fish to be in there for a month or two. And for my friend to have a 30,000 gallon tank ready for it, was never mentioned. I don't care what he does with it. All I can do is try and inform him that it will need a huge tank. I just asked a simple question about chemistry of water and tankmates. I realized it was my fault that the tankmates became aggressive after the time I had him. I have respect for zoodiver and did for you until this bs comment. Everyone makes mistakes. So chill out!!! We all have seen people raise fish in too small of a tank and it work for a while. Everyone always wants an ocean for a fish to grow up in. If this was the case most of us wouldn't own half the fish we do!!

[ray777]

First... I think the "my pima would eat yours" was a little bit of boasting and joke all in one.. obviously that was before he knew other people on the site(zoo/john) were in possession of large pimas. It wasn't brought up again.

Zoodiver does know alot. Won't disagree. As always there's more than one way to skin a cat. Sure tank size could be a reason for deaths but more input like the original poster was looking for would help reassure him that was the reason and not something else. I couldn't bare to name all the people/lfs that keep them in less than 400g tanks when small unless they die only when they reach a certain size in smaller tanks. And after john posted his two died in a 60g I think that was reassurance as it could be the reason.

Whether his buddy has a 30,000 gallon(johns tank isn't even that size) tank or not shouldn't be an issue. He was looking for an answer to explain the deaths. If everytime someone looks for an answer to explain a death you say "you didn't have a big enough tank for long term anyways" then this hobby will go no where and never advance.

The only person who acted like a child is the person who said:


You co-own the largest 'box-like aquarium' freshwater exhibit in the world?



I hope you were joking..

Give the guy a break. If you're from malaysia you might have a hard time describing things in english.

Thank you Very much for understanding my orginal post!!

[Miles]

Give the guy a break. If you're from malaysia you might have a hard time describing things in english.

If I was from malaysia I wouldn't make false claims that we're an obvious lie, and then continue to post further garbage solidifying the fact that I had no clue what I was talking about in the first place.

It pisses me off when people come on here, drop some crap, and when they are intelligently dismissed, they get all offended.

You guys jumped on Zoodiver's case, now I get on yours, and we are all sad. :headshake


ray777, Obviously 90g isn't good enough for a 5" inch fish.. Blame it on your tankmates.. the other guy.. whatever. But if you are going to come and ask about 'water chemistry' and people tell you it's the tanksize, don't try to tell them they are wrong.. because, gee, your Pima died?

[Miles]

Whether his buddy has a 30,000 gallon(johns tank isn't even that size) tank or not shouldn't be an issue.

It is an issue. I was insinuating exactly this; If they can't accommodate for it when its 5", how will either of them accommodate for it at 2 feet, 7 feet, 10, feet, 14 feet?

It makes me so mad that people can even own fish like this.. :SaiyanSmi and then when they kill it they try to place blame on others.. even after asking for help or opinions.. :uhoh:

[Miles]

I had one that was 5in. lived for a month then died. I had some buddies have the same thing happen. Tell me everything there is to keep one alive. As far as I know I had everything right.

<Zoodiver tries to help him out.>

A lil dramatic are we?? The set up was fine as far as water parmeters, lighting, decor, substrate and setup time.

:screwy: This is why I was upset.

The joker with the largest freshwater display comment was just funny.

[ray777]

ray777, Obviously 90g isn't good enough for a 5" inch fish.. Blame it on your tankmates.. the other guy.. whatever. But if you are going to come and ask about 'water chemistry' and people tell you it's the tanksize, don't try to tell them they are wrong.. because, gee, your Pima died?

Obivisously you have no clue if it was the tank size. That is a bunch of bs to say a fish died cuz of that. In this case at least. I mentioned later in the threads if you watch them carefully, that I wasn't able to watch the tank 24/7 and noticed the african pike being aggresive toward other fish and even each other after he had died. SO MY FAULT!! I know for a fact that was the problem after I posted this up. I am sure I am not the only member to keep one in that small of a tank. In fact I am pretty sure some well known people on here have done it!! Sorry you are a mad biologist and know everything. Not to knock you Zoodiver!

[ray777]

Sorry Miles I have owned tons of exotic fish and killed my fair share of fish. I doubt you have never killed a fish or even the best of us on here. I was just asking basics about the pima. I quickly got an answer that I need a huge tank. I was not asking for its life time. So if you are to say that I killed a 5inch pima cuz I don't have a tank that is huge then yes I did say zoodiver was being dramatic.

[Miles]

Obivisously you have no clue if it was the tank size. That is a bunch of bs to say a fish died cuz of that. In this case at least. I mentioned later in the threads if you watch them carefully, that I wasn't able to watch the tank 24/7 and noticed the african pike being aggresive toward other fish and even each other after he had died. SO MY FAULT!! I know for a fact that was the problem after I posted this up. I am sure I am not the only member to keep one in that small of a tank. In fact I am pretty sure some well known people on here have done it!! Sorry you are a mad biologist and know everything. Not to knock you Zoodiver!

Next time you ask for second opinions, don't tell them their opinions are wrong. :D

[ray777]

Yeah ok Miles

[TLkmDN]

urrrr guys i think everybody is taking this wayyyyy too seriously.....i didnt mean to offend anyone. the joke was instigated towards zoodiver who obviously didnt find it that offensive considering he still answers my pm questions that i send him frequently. furthermore it is not a lie. my dad owns shares in the flooded aquaria in the KLCC convention center. so dont accuse people of being liars when you have no proof.

[cichlaguapote]

It is an issue. I was insinuating exactly this; If they can't accommodate for it when its 5", how will either of them accommodate for it at 2 feet, 7 feet, 10, feet, 14 feet?

It makes me so mad that people can even own fish like this.. :SaiyanSmi and then when they kill it they try to place blame on others.. even after asking for help or opinions.. :uhoh:



Any normal fish at 5" is fine in a 90g and even if you have a 30k gallon tank you wouldn't stick a 5" fish in it. So growout tank of some size has to come in somewhere. 30k is a bit much, again john doesn't even have that size and I would say his fish is comfortable right now.

You don't know if his friend has 30k tank or not and bringing up whether one has the right tank size for an adult fish when trying to find out why pima die easier at smaller sizes is a mute point and does nothing for the discussion.

How will he accomidate for it when it's larger? Maybe he has a empty pool and is in a tropical region? Maybe he has plans to eat it?(they are food fish after all) Honestly again it's a mute point. There are many people who keep fish that get very very large.. Some have plans for larger tanks.. Some have plans for bar-b-ques..

[cichlaguapote]

Next time you ask for second opinions, don't tell them their opinions are wrong. :D

Opinions can be wrong in a way..There can be more than one reason for deaths. You can state that you think one thing is a cause for alot of deaths but maybe there are others. And we don't know all about every fish. Without mentioning names fish stores like Shark Aquarium keep 30 of them in a 75g and many other people keep them in smaller tanks without issue. So is it something with when they get to a certain size they don't like smaller tanks? Maybe but if you just dismiss it and say "you didn't have a big enough tank anyways and it makes me mad anyone can buy them... grrr" then you're not really finding an answer or helping anyone gain knowledge.

[TLkmDN]

i agree with cichlagua. apparently the main cause of death for these small arapaimas are stress which then manifest into disease...NOT small tank issues. i dont believe that 2 months in a 90g for a 5 inch pima will result in death. that sounds a bit farfetched...

[ray777]

Opinions can be wrong in a way..There can be more than one reason for deaths. You can state that you think one thing is a cause for alot of deaths but maybe there are others. And we don't know all about every fish. Without mentioning names fish stores like Shark Aquarium keep 30 of them in a 75g and many other people keep them in smaller tanks without issue. So is it something with when they get to a certain size they don't like smaller tanks? Maybe but if you just dismiss it and say "you didn't have a big enough tank anyways and it makes me mad anyone can buy them... grrr" then you're not really finding an answer or helping anyone gain knowledge.

Thank you!!!!:D My point exactly. I agree with anyone that it is not fair for a fish to live its entire life in a small tank. Then again maybe we shouldn't be allowed to have them.

[Miles]

i grew two out in a 400 gallon.........:):) after....

i tried to raise two starting ( 6 inch) in a 60 gallon and killed them both.:(:(

:lipsseale :footinmou

[ray777]

i agree with cichlagua. apparently the main cause of death for these small arapaimas are stress which then manifest into disease...NOT small tank issues. i dont believe that 2 months in a 90g for a 5 inch pima will result in death. that sounds a bit farfetched...

Thank you also

[Miles]

Tell me everything there is to keep one alive.


A lil dramatic are we?? The set up was fine

:irked:

[ray777]

:lipsseale :footinmou

Honestly I respect John and zoodiver, but doubt that is the main reason why. If it was for that specific pima then understood, but a lot of people raise them in small tanks.

[cichlaguapote]

:lipsseale :footinmou

yeah I can read.. But honestly why did his two die in a 60g and Li can keep 6 in a rubbermaid without issue?

Without getting into what size they died, water chemistry, other stuff you can't blanket statement that every pima death is small tank related, and it wouldn't make sense why some are ok. There needs to be more facts/research less arguing why someone shouldn't own one.

[ray777]

I am done with you Miles you know it all!

[Miles]

I don't care about the Pima.. It died from the pike. I decided that 6 pages ago.

It's more about Ray777 asking for help and then telling those who are trying to help that they are being dramatic..

[reverse]

urrrr guys i think everybody is taking this wayyyyy too seriously.....i didnt mean to offend anyone. the joke was instigated towards zoodiver who obviously didnt find it that offensive considering he still answers my pm questions that i send him frequently. furthermore it is not a lie. my dad owns shares in the flooded aquaria in the KLCC convention center. so dont accuse people of being liars when you have no proof.


I own shares in General Motors, does that mean I can say I am a co owner of GM......................Your first post came out a little self important and inaccurate.

"wow zoodiver dont need to show off. i co-own the largest freshwater exhibit in the world in the malaysian convention centre. we have an 11 foot arapaima which could eat ures for breakfast."

[ray777]

yeah I can read.. But honestly why did his two die in a 60g and Li can keep 6 in a rubbermaid without issue?

Without getting into what size they died, water chemistry, other stuff you can't blanket statement that every pima death is small tank related, and it wouldn't make sense why some are ok. There needs to be more facts/research less arguing why someone shouldn't own one.

Agreed again. I didn't want to bring li into this but yeah he is one of our top mods on here, and has them like this or at least in that pic.

[ray777]

I don't care about the Pima.. It died from the pike. I decided that 6 pages ago.

It's more about Ray777 asking for help and then telling those who are trying to help that they are being dramatic..

Yeah dramatic for telling me I need a 30,000 gallon tank without knowing where it is going, and to top it off I said it is not my fish and was raising it for a lil while for someone else. For all you know it could have been going to a swimming pool. I just asked basics about it not what tank will it need in the future!!!

[Miles]

Li has his on a central system..

[Miles]

Tell me everything there is to keep one alive.


I just asked basics about it not what tank will it need in the future!!!

:screwy:

[cichlaguapote]

I own shares in General Motors, does that mean I can say I am a co owner of GM.....................



Depends how many shares you own of GM.. if you own 50% of the shares then I would call you co-owner.. :)

[cichlaguapote]

Li has his on a central system..

Oh so that's the key? If they're on a central system they can go in a small tank and be fine? :popcorn:

[ray777]

Oh so that's the key? If they're on a central system they can go in a small tank and be fine? :popcorn:

Ditto:ROFL:

[cichlaguapote]

Ditto:ROFL:

If he has a serious explaination as to why central system/small tank works but not small tank/own filtration then I'm all ears.. If he doesn't know why it works then just say IDK. Not out ot embarass anyone who truthfully doesn't know and admits it.

[pirarucu319]

let see those monster..
keep post man..
look like you sooooo lucky..

ANCIENT MONSTER RULEZ :arapaimag :asianarow

[Miles]

"Dilution is the solution to pollution ..." :D

-Pufferpunk

[cichlaguapote]

"Dilution is the solution to pollution ..." :D

-Pufferpunk

Thanks for explaining your central system theory... :shakehead

[bmxer4ever]

Not to rain on anyones parade, but it has been said repeatedly in these forums that any 'Pima less than 8 inches is going to be hard to raise.
Have a look in any of the big Arapaima threads and you'll find reference to this.
There method of reproduction involves a certain period of time where the fingerlings feed from their father - much like discus fry - and to pull them too soon can leave them with weakened immune systems etc.
I read this whole thread and while I can agree to some extent on the tank size issue, in my opinion (and remember, I've never owned a 'Pima) it sounds like a combination of factors.
Tank size is one, but I think if the 'Pima had been on it's own in there with good water parameters, it would have been fine for a couple of months.
It's likely that while appearing healthy, it was just too young to be put in with other fish in a tank that size. a little bit bigger and it may have been able to handle itself.
I think the poor thing just got stressed out at such a young age and that's why it died.

Comments on my humble opinion are most welcome.....

[Zoodiver]

Wow, this has grown since I looked at it this mornig.

I'll stick with my original comments about the arapaima issues in small tanks. IT DOESN'T WORK. I have yet to meet anyone who has kept a juvie in a small tank and had it live to adult hood. If anyone out there at all has, please feel free to chime in at ANY point in this thread. For all of those saying I'm over the top and it WASN'T the size of the tank, please fill us in on what you have done that nobody else could figure out.

As for TLKmDN - he admitted he was jumping the gun with his "world's largest" claim, and we can all move on as far as I care. As I said, I just like to stay on top of who opens large tanks. We do claim some big ones as part of our PR work - so I like to make sure we are being honest about them.

[Zoodiver]

Comments on my humble opinion are most welcome.....


You are right on the money.

[bmxer4ever]

You are right on the money.

Thank you kind sir.....

[cichlaguapote]

Not to rain on anyones parade, but it has been said repeatedly in these forums that any 'Pima less than 8 inches is going to be hard to raise.
Have a look in any of the big Arapaima threads and you'll find reference to this.
There method of reproduction involves a certain period of time where the fingerlings feed from their father - much like discus fry - and to pull them too soon can leave them with weakened immune systems etc.
I read this whole thread and while I can agree to some extent on the tank size issue, in my opinion (and remember, I've never owned a 'Pima) it sounds like a combination of factors.
Tank size is one, but I think if the 'Pima had been on it's own in there with good water parameters, it would have been fine for a couple of months.
It's likely that while appearing healthy, it was just too young to be put in with other fish in a tank that size. a little bit bigger and it may have been able to handle itself.
I think the poor thing just got stressed out at such a young age and that's why it died.

Comments on my humble opinion are most welcome.....

I actually think you're 100% correct. I think that's the best theory,,

Zoodiver, I can see now why you have such an interest in others exhibits, you're a good guy through and through.

[ray777]

Not to rain on anyones parade, but it has been said repeatedly in these forums that any 'Pima less than 8 inches is going to be hard to raise.
Have a look in any of the big Arapaima threads and you'll find reference to this.
There method of reproduction involves a certain period of time where the fingerlings feed from their father - much like discus fry - and to pull them too soon can leave them with weakened immune systems etc.
I read this whole thread and while I can agree to some extent on the tank size issue, in my opinion (and remember, I've never owned a 'Pima) it sounds like a combination of factors.
Tank size is one, but I think if the 'Pima had been on it's own in there with good water parameters, it would have been fine for a couple of months.
It's likely that while appearing healthy, it was just too young to be put in with other fish in a tank that size. a little bit bigger and it may have been able to handle itself.
I think the poor thing just got stressed out at such a young age and that's why it died.

Comments on my humble opinion are most welcome.....

I agree with you. Thanks

[ray777]

Zoodiver I never was trying to raise this pima til adulthood. This was already discussed. We all know they can't be raised in a small tank for that long. But you are saying no small tanks period. I am sure some people have raised them in smaller tanks for a certain time before going to a bigger tank.

[bmxer4ever]

Thinking more on this issue, I think we're all missing an important point.....

It's all about scale....

If an adult 'Pima gets to 14 feet, that's 168 inches, then a 5 inch 'Pima (0.336% of adult size) should really be classed as a 'fry' (a 5 inch fry!), if you get my drift.

Therefore we really shouldn't be putting them in with other fish 'til they get a bit bigger (when they would be classed as a 'juvie').

Does that make any kind of sense to anyone?!

Just a thought.....

[Zoodiver]

Yeah, that makes great sense.

And I am saying that even at 5", they can't be kept in that small of a tank. I've had best luck with 8" or more. Feeding young is tough - as mentioned they require the male. Then getting them to take food is hard. Once they are on live food, you should switch them to thawed or prepared foods. That is another battle. At that size, they grow fast.... and when I say fast, they are the fastest growing fish I've ever worked with. A two year old at 5 feet would not surprise me at all. Fish that grow that fast had a very high metabolism. To process that much food intake, they need room to swim, a lot more that most fish of their size.

[bmxer4ever]

Yeah, that makes great sense.

And I am saying that even at 5", they can't be kept in that small of a tank. I've had best luck with 8" or more. Feeding young is tough - as mentioned they require the male. Then getting them to take food is hard. Once they are on live food, you should switch them to thawed or prepared foods. That is another battle. At that size, they grow fast.... and when I say fast, they are the fastest growing fish I've ever worked with. A two year old at 5 feet would not surprise me at all. Fish that grow that fast had a very high metabolism. To process that much food intake, they need room to swim, a lot more that most fish of their size.

Aha.....now we get to the bottom of the tank size debate.......of course - fast metabolism requires space for all that fuel burning. Now I understand. It's the arapaima's survival technique - get big, fast. Makes sense now.