Arapaima Leptosoma

Todd Sain Sr.

7 years ago

Source: http://bit.ly/2QbY1qN Photographer: George Chernilevsky Public Domain Image

Arapaima Leptosoma Facts

Firstly, the highly surprising Arapaima Leptosoma constitutes a recently discovered type of freshwater fish. Most unfortunately, to date, researchers actually know of only a few individuals of this new remarkable species.
Also, awareness of its existence occurred so recently that no common name for this species exists as of yet. Quite understandably, the search for more of its kind remains ongoing in the region in which the discovery occurred.
This truly startling creature also represents another milestone for this field of scientific endeavor. That’s because the truly distinctive creature forms the first newly recognized species of Arapaima discovered since 1847.
Obviously, no data concerning the numbers of the Arapaima Leptosoma exist yet. But, the IUCN considers it to be a threatened species. However, this classification occurs due to the fact that all fish species endemic to the region appear to be threatened by overfishing.

Royal Panaque Crocodilefish Pacu

Source: http://bit.ly/2NMPDkY
Photographer: George Chernilevsky
Public Domain Image

Arapaima Leptosoma Physical Description

The fact that so few specimens have been observed limits the confirmed knowledge of the species. Therefore, only general information concerning the species remains known at this time. But, in color, the creature presents a combination of grayish-silver and red.

All other species of Leptosoma have one surprising fact in common. All of them appear to be among the largest known species of freshwater fish. The reason why this shared trait exist forms another mystery. Researchers thus consider it likely that this species attains a similar size.

Like all other members of its family, it evolved another distinctive characteristic. It actually developed as an air-breathing fish. In addition, the individuals so far discovered seem to represent mature adults. As a result, experts consider them representational of the species.

Finally, the most noted specimen of the Arapaima Leptosoma reached an astounding size. It actually measured about 10 ft (3 m) in length. Also, this animal does separate itself from its relatives in one manner. This species achieves a relatively long and thin physical shape.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Family: Arapaimidae
Genus: Arapaima
Species: A. leptosoma

Arapaima Leptosoma Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Researchers discovered the Arapaima Leptosoma within the waters of the Purus River. As a local river, this primarily flows in the Amazon Basin, in South America. In a truly fortuitous turn of events, the discovery of this enormous fish happened quite by accident.

The habitat of the impressive creature generally tends to be a wide, slow-moving river. However, numerous eddies of various sizes and strengths also exist along its course. At this time, it remains unknown exactly which, if any, of these the creature prefers.

Given the limited number of specimens examined to date, a knowledge gap exists. Scientists understandably have little reliable specific data as to its life cycle. But, the great majority of these scientists assume this characteristic to be similar to other varieties of Leptosoma.

If so, the dietary habits of the Arapaima Leptosoma likely consist of the consumption of a variety of prey. This would mainly include small fish and crustaceans. Nevertheless, given its size, its diet might also include small land animals that venture too close to the water.

Finally, its uniqueness has served to popularize the creature. Despite the limited number of individuals available for study, a few individuals now appear in aquariums. Further research still remains ongoing into this amazing and, for now, somewhat mysterious creature.