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View Full Version : Arapima Gigas (Pirarucu) buying guide.


asifgy
09-15-2012, 04:02 PM
I'll like to get into arapima. Currently setting up a 1000 gal tank.

Any advice on where's the best place to purchase and what to look for when selecting?

Thanks guys.
lipadj46
09-15-2012, 04:38 PM
I'll like to get into arapima. Currently setting up a 1000 gal tank.

Any advice on where's the best place to purchase and what to look for when selecting?

Thanks guys.

Is 1000g even big enough for one of those monsters? LOL!

sent from an undisclosed location using morse code
DiscusOnly
09-16-2012, 12:31 AM
I'll like to get into arapima. Currently setting up a 1000 gal tank.

Any advice on where's the best place to purchase and what to look for when selecting?

Thanks guys.

1000gal tank is not even close to enough for the gigas. My friend has 3 that are over 5 feet that started out a few inches and he is running out of room in his 2000+ gallon. Only reason why he has gotten away with it so far is that the tank is tied to a large system. At the current size, he can't even have the water level up to high. One splash and there are water every where. Imagine what they will do to a glass tank when they whip there tails.

These are monster fish not mean for fish tanks. They need swimming pool.
Rod
09-20-2012, 02:48 AM
They have (had?) a group of gigas at the Singapore Aquarium. Aren't they a protected species? I'd advice against them in any case unless you have the extreme facilities required for these extreme fish. 1000gal might see them through the 1st year!

Edit: This species is cites listed as protected and non tradable.

http://www.cites.org/gallery/species/fish/fishes.html
lipadj46
09-20-2012, 04:36 AM
you can buy them in the US
Moon
09-20-2012, 12:38 PM
Contact Michael Brice at Monster Aquaria. He has a few in his 30,000 gallon tank.
Rod
09-20-2012, 04:34 PM
you can buy them in the US

I'm sorry for my ignorance of this. I am simply stunned you can buy them. USA is a signed up member to the Cites agreement, yet trade is allowed in listed species.
roclement
09-20-2012, 05:09 PM
You are correct Rod, it's a mess over here...honestly it is. I've seen things being offered for sale that blow my mind, not only in fish.

One advice for the OP thinking about an Arapaima, don't get one.

Rodrigo
Orange Crush
09-20-2012, 05:10 PM
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. ;)
warblad79
09-20-2012, 07:23 PM
King Aquarium sells it, I saw it few months back.
DiscusOnly
09-20-2012, 07:26 PM
Here is a video of the 3 at my friend's store. Video not taken by me and it was from 2 years ago. They are even bigger now.

Just to give you an idea of how big they can get. Oh.. those pacu isn't a joke either. They were customer's fish that out grew the tank.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OvLTHoDk6o
Poco
09-20-2012, 07:27 PM
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. ;)

+1

Those fish are not meant for fish tanks.
Moon
09-21-2012, 12:47 PM
If you have a large enough tank you can keep them. My friend Michael has them for a number of years in a very large tank. His tank is the size of a large basement room. Maintains the tank with a small boat.
Elliots
09-21-2012, 01:06 PM
Moon,
A tank that size is very easy to clean and maintain- SKIN DIVING GEAR!
DiscusOnly
09-21-2012, 01:11 PM
Moon,
A tank that size is very easy to clean and maintain- SKIN DIVING GEAR!

Only one problem. You do not want to be in a tank with a 5ft Gigas and have it startled.
kevin joseph
09-21-2012, 01:55 PM
i would recommend getting arowana instead. somewhat similar.large scales,basic same shape. they would do well in a 1000 gallon aquarium.