Arapaima in Louisiana?

[JasonsPlecosCichlids]

Arapaima in Louisiana?! Apparent aquarium release; info/pics via U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Nonindigenous Aquatic Species on.doi.gov/2iiFsA7

 

[tlindsey]

Does anyone have a estimate of how many are in Louisiana native water?

 

[krichardson]

Did the guy hack the paima with a machette?

 

[Timmy]

My guess would be a single specimen. I think the waters get to cold in winter for them to survive. Can someone verify ?

 

[dat_tiger]

My guess would be a single specimen. I think the waters get to cold in winter for them to survive. Can someone verify ?

From the pics it looks like the fish was already dead before they found it.

 

[krichardson]

From the pics it looks like the fish was already dead before they found it.

It does actually.

 

[Deadliestviper7]

I wonder if it was dumped alive or dead.

 

[Lidofishieboi]

Cool, wish they populate, fishing would be amazing!!! ^^

 

[Narwhal]

Looks like it was hit by a boat, the cut looks similar to some manatees that get hit. Shame people dump their monsters and don't try to do the responsible thing. Would like to fish for them though.

 

[GiantLakeMan]

My guess would be a single specimen. I think the waters get to cold in winter for them to survive. Can someone verify ?

This is correct. They have low invasive risk in all of the United States (Besides the very southern tip of Florida) due to their poor cold tolerance. Studies on the Arapaima have shown inability to survive in any temperatures less than 16°C (61°F) [see citation below]. There is also anecdotal evidence of this evidenced on MFK of a post where an owner lost 2 of his 2'+ Arapaima due to water temperatures of only 60°F. The Arapaima is extremely cold sensitive as are most fish from the tropical forest waters of South America. I don't believe this knowledge of the Arapaima is spread nearly enough as many North American keepers keep them outdoors in ponds and lakes putting them at risk during colder months, and it may be a common cause of their death that many owners are unaware of.

Research article in North American Journal of Aquaculture: "Lower Lethal Temperature for Arapaima Arapaima gigas: Potential Implications for Culture and Establishment in Florida." Link: http://afs.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15222055.2015.1066471

MFK post of owner losing two Arapaima in only 60°F: "16C just to low for Arapaimas"
https://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/threads/16c-is-just-to-low-for-arapaimas.210661/