North American arapaima (SciiFii)

The North American arapaima (Arapaima americanum) is a species of arapaima that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the wetlands, lakes, and rivers across North America to help boost biodiversity. The closest living relative of the North American arapaima is the pirarucu (Arapaima gigas). The North American arapaima is one of the largest North American freshwater fish and among the largest known freshwater fish in the world, commonly measuring 200 centimetres (79 inches) and reportedly exceptionally reaching lengths of up to 450 centimetres (15 feet). Adults may weigh up to 200 kilograms or 440 pounds. A. gigas has a streamlined body with dorsal and anal fins set well back towards the tail. While the body is mainly gray to gray-green, it has the red flecks on the scales towards the tail, or the reddish-orange color of its meat. The North American arapaima have "flexible armor-like scales" made up of "a hard mineralized outer layer" and "a tough-but-flexible inner layer" that help protect it from attacks by predatory crocodilians such as alligators. North American arapaima require breathing surface air to supplement the oxygen it derives from the use of its gills, and, as such, is dependent on surfacing every 5–15 minutes to loudly gulp air at the surface. As in other species in the genus, a modified swim bladder that contains lung-like tissue is used for this purpose. The species primarily feeds on fish, although juveniles will prefer insects and fish larvae until fully grown. They will also consume birds, mammals, fruits and seeds on the water surface. Spawning occurs in lakes and river channels during the time of low water levels. After the young hatch from eggs laid in a nest constructed by both parents, the male remains to protect them for a period of about three months. The young reach sexual maturity at an age of four to five years; average life span in captivity is 15–20 years. The conservation status of the North American arowana is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the North American arowana's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii