Arapaima arapaima?

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SuperNinja

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Apr 30, 2014
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Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with these? I’m considering one and heard these max out at 4’ but probably smaller in captivity. Would be in a grow out 100 then 300 then 4000 gallon aquarium.
 
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This is a huge hole in my knowledge. IDK how to tell any pima species apart. Now there are several more species, according to the latest, recent revision.

I've read somewhere that we do get a mix in the trade of gigas and arapaima arapaimas (they come from farms). I read it long ago and forgot much. Perhaps Rod of Predatory Fins can shed some light or Steve of Exotic Fish Shop. I mean vendors who bring them in may know something, if they have a curious mind... Our two came from Steve back in 2016.
 
I'm definitely no expert but I did find this
Arapaima species.jpg

Which if the tail fins aren't damaged too much would seem to indicate that besides a more robust body Arapaima arapaima the fins in general are more full especially the tail fin. I also noticed the same difference in Silver versus Black Aro's. Though telling the difference without 2 examples side by side I imagine would be difficult, unless you've kept them before. Like my experience with Armatus, once I had one I was able to eyeball one pretty reliably but my eye became much better after reading the Payara sticky. Sorry for the digress. I gotta say you've peaked my interest. I didn't know there where smaller species of Arapaima.

Forgive me if the info is old or incorrect. I am just supplying what I gleamed online.
 
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