Analysis of Artificial Breeding of Arapaima in Guangdong

Abstract The arapaima in Guangdong can be artificially bred in tanks, and the more suitable tank size is: length 4.5m, width 1.5m, height 1.5m. The arapaima is a tropical fish and prefers weakly acidic water quality. During the growth period, the water temperature should be maintained between 24°C-29°C, and it can be bred with nutrient-rich animal bait. Protective measures should be taken when feeding. During the seedling stage, it can be mixed with other fish, but after growing up, they must be raised separately.

I. Tank Breeding

1. Because the arapaima grows relatively fast, when choosing a tank, try to choose a larger one. The common 1.5m tank on the market can only raise the arapaima to about 1m, and then it needs to be replaced with a large tank. The more suitable tank size is 4.5m×1.5m×1.5m.

2. When raising arapaima in a tank, it is necessary to ensure that it has enough space for activity. If the water level is relatively low, protective measures must be taken at the top of the tank. If the arapaima jumps out, it will cause certain harm to it.

II. Water Quality and Water Temperature

The arapaima is a tropical fish and likes to live in weakly acidic water quality, so its requirements for water quality are not very strict. The suitable growth water temperature is between 24°C-29°C. Therefore, during the breeding process, the stability of the water temperature should be maintained, and sharp changes should not occur.

III. Feeding Bait

1. The arapaima is a carnivorous fish. From juvenile fish to adult fish, an appropriate amount of animal bait should be fed, mainly live small fish, but animal internal organs must not be fed, as this can easily cause indigestion.

2. It can be fed with animal bait. Fish, like humans, need to supplement rich nutrients, so it is not suitable to feed too single a bait. Various rich baits need to be combined, which helps meet the nutritional needs of the arapaima.

IV. Feeding Precautions

When feeding the arapaima, do not hold small fish or meat pieces in your hand for a long time, to prevent the arapaima from attacking the feeder and causing unnecessary injury.

V. Mixed Breeding with Other Fish

When the arapaima is in the seedling stage, it can be mixed with ornamental fish of the same size, but after the arapaima grows up, it will treat the ornamental fish as prey, so at this time they need to be raised separately.

VI. Breeding Habits of the Arapaima

1. The arapaima has the same habits as salmon. Both like to lay eggs in shallow shoals. Generally in August, when the water level is low, they begin to gather in groups in lakes and river channels, until breeding stops from December to March. The number of eggs laid each time is about 160,000, usually in batches. Hatching takes 3-5 days. At this time, the female leaves alone, while the male stays to protect the young fish.

2. During this period, the male's tail turns red, which helps protect the eggs and care for the newly hatched young fish. The heads of both the young fish and the male fish are black, and the young fish often stay around the male fish and are unwilling to leave.

3. The male fish cares for the young fish for about 90 days, then leaves with the flood. At this time, adult fish and subadult fish separate and migrate to lakes or rivers to live. The arapaima reaches maturity at 4-5 years old. Artificially bred arapaima have a lifespan of about 15-20 years.