Arapaima

About

How arapaima lives

Arapaimas are huge Amazon basin fish that surface to breathe air in warm floodplain waters. Arapaimas use a specialized swim bladder to gulp air from the surface. River species are shaped by changing water levels, flowing currents, and narrow migration paths.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Vulnerable species face mounting risks and can decline quickly if habitats continue to shrink. Protecting arapaima also depends on keeping rivers, wetland habitats healthy and connected.

Vulnerable species can decline quickly when habitat loss, climate pressure, or human conflict intensifies.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Arapaimas use a specialized swim bladder to gulp air from the surface.
• Fish body shapes often reflect how they move, feed, and avoid predators in different waters.
• River species are shaped by changing water levels, flowing currents, and narrow migration paths.
• Vulnerable species face mounting risks and can decline quickly if habitats continue to shrink.