WATERY WEDNESDAY# 41
We’re off to the Amazon today to meet an ancient fish. These large fish are so unusual and amazing! Let’s all hop in the boat and go exploring!
MEET THE ARAPAIMA!
Range/Habitat: North South America/ rivers-Amazon river
Diet: Carnivore: fish, birds
Length/Weight: 8 ¼-15 ft/ up to 440 lbs
Conservation Status: unknown
Fun Facts:
- Arapaimas are one of the largest fresh water fish in the world.
- They have a long dorsal (top) fin near their tail.
- Arapaimas are ambush predators.
- They tend to stay close to the surface of the water.
- Arapaimas are living fossils. They have been around since the Jurassic period.
- Arapaimas have inefficient gills and therefore must also breathe air from the surface.
Wow, these fish also breathe air? That is crazy! Isn’t cool that they’ve been on the planet for so many years too?
The Adventures of Ellie and Edmond 