Invasive arapaima resurfaces, threatening Brazil's rivers
Arapaima, once thought to be extinct, has reappeared in Brazilian rivers. Unfortunately, this is not good news, as the species poses a threat to local ecosystems. Biologists are raising the alarm — it is an invasive species.
Key Information
- The arapaima, a large freshwater fish, was considered extinct 30 years ago.
- It is now spreading in Brazilian rivers, disrupting local ecosystems.
- Biologists warn of its invasive nature and impact on native species.
The arapaima, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, has reemerged in Brazilian rivers. Thirty years ago, it was deemed extinct, but its presence is now increasingly noticeable beyond the Amazon.
Biologists from UNESP University in São Paulo are raising concerns about the arapaima's spread to regions far from its natural habitat. It has been detected in five Brazilian states: Bahia, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso, and Mato Grosso do Sul, in addition to Amazonas.
Lidiane Franceschini, a Brazilian biologist, warns that the arapaima, which can grow up to 6.5 feet in length, is destroying many endemic species and disrupting local ecosystems. Its presence could lead to a decline in the populations of animals crucial to regional fisheries.
The presence of this fish can lead to a decline in animal species populations important for regional fisheries, said the expert, as quoted by the Revista Planeta.
The Voracious Nature of the Arapaima
The arapaima mainly preys on fish and crustaceans, but it occasionally attacks amphibians, reptiles, and even birds. The problem is not only its voracious appetite but also the fact that in many rivers, natural predators are already lacking.
The increased presence of arapaima in Brazilian rivers outside the Amazon has become particularly noticeable since 2022. Biologists are considering measures to minimize its negative impact on local ecosystems.
