W. Wright, Biology student, Biology student, Astoria
Answered May 01, 2019
The Arapaima measures about 10 feet (3 meters) long and it's weight can be more than 400 pounds (180 kilograms). The Arapaima has the tendency to stay near the surface of the water but can remain underwater for up to 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
They come up to the surface for air and to hunt for food. Primarily they consume fish, but they also take in some birds that may be close to the water.
Such large fishs are not common to freshwater rivers, but this one seems to be regular in the Amazon. But, they seem to be disappearing more recently and scientists wonder if they are on the way to becoming extinct.
This is one of the more unique fishes as they come up to the surface for air. Thus their domain is normally near the surface.