Pirarucu
Arapaima gigas
Other Names:
Arapaima
Paiche
Paiche
Distribution Pirarucus live in the freshwater water sources in the Amazon River in the Amazon Basin, lingering near the surface of water sources with small amounts of oxygen in the water. The reason for this is because the minute amount of oxygen in the water tends to make fish move slowly. This helps the Pirarucu catch its prey.
DietPirarucus are carnivorous fish that eat catfish and other fish, small birds, crustaceans and shore-dwelling creatures that get too close.
LifeDuring the months January to March or when the water levels are high is when the Pirarucus lay their eggs. To house the thousands of eggs, Pirarucus construct a nest that is usually 15 centimetres in depth and 50 centimetres wide. Either the male or the female (no one knows which gender) grow white tubercles that nurture the eggs. As the water levels rise higher, the eggs hatch and the hatchlings of the Pirarucus have the entire flooding season to enjoy. This is usually during the months May to August. Female Pirarucus protect her mate and offspring by scaring away any predators.
Threats and DangersPirarucus tend to linger near the water's surface (see Defences) and are easy targets for fishermen. Pollution of the rivers and water sources in the Pirarucu's home has also had a big impact on the Pirarucu.
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DescriptionPiraracu
Pirarucus are sometimes though of as living fossils. Pirarucus have been around for many years. Pirarucus are extremely large freshwater fish, known for growing up to 3 metres in length, making it one of the largest freshwater fishes in the world. Pirarucus can weigh up to a whopping 200 kilograms, although usually only weigh 100 or 180 kilograms. Pirarucus have flat, skeletal heads and long, hard-scaled bodies. The colour from head-to-tail changes on Pirarucus from a mossy green-copper head to a dark green-turqoise colour that stops when the pearl-white belly. The fins and tail nearer the hindquarters are a beautiful crimson red. Pirarucus have a hard set of teeth and a hard tongue, too.
LegendLong ago, there live a warrior from the Southwestern Amazonian Uaiás tribe called Pirarucu who was courageous, yet callous and cold-hearted. His father, Pindarô, was a kind man, and was therefore the chief. Pirarucu was proud about his large amount of power, but used it for no great amount of good. Whenever his father went around greeting neighbouring clans, Pirarucu would capture people of his tribe and slaughter them for no real reason. Pirarucu would also critique the gods. The High God, Tupã, scrutinized Pirarucu for a long time and soon grew angry and tiresome with his actions. He called upon his trustworthy friend, Polo, to create powerful lighting. Tupã also called upon Iururaruaçú, the Goddess of Torrents, and commanded her to cause heavy rain to fall upon Pirarucu. At this time, Pirarucu was fishing in the Tocantins River. Tupã's fire was wild and visible to anyone in the Amazon Rainforest. The water in the Tocantins River started to murmur to him and the hate of Tupã was clear in the rippling river, but Pirarucu ignored the signs. Tupã was now really mad, and he called upon Xandoré, the man-dispising demon. Xandoré lit up the sky with lightning and arose great thunderclouds. As Pirarucu ran for his life, dodging falling branches, Xandoré struck him in the heart. Pirarucu declined to ask for his forgiveness. People who were anywhere near Pirarucu fled. Pirarucu was taken alive and his body was led to the Tocantins River, where he fell to the seabed and was reborn as a humungous, dull-coloured fish. Pirarucu remainded there and was, for a long time, a terrifying sight to the people of the region. This is the Legend of the Pirarucu fish.
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DefencesThe Pirarucu is able to breathe air, and lingers near the surface of the water to take a breath every 10-20 minutes. This helps during the dry season when there is hardly any water left.
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