THE AMAZONIAN Arapaima CHANGES ITS STATUS FROM THREATENED SPECIES TO AN INVADER OF EARTH’S FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS

Abstract

A survey of the records was conducted regarding the locations on the planet in which Arapaima has been introduced from its natural habitats in areas of South America, whether for aquaculture or the aquarium trade. Originally, the global expansion of this species was intended to maintain its existence in the face of a perceived risk of extinction. However, the results of the intended and accidental spread of its distribution reveal that Arapaima is an invasive species that can endanger native fish species diversity. It is an air breather, which allows it to inhabit low oxygen conditions of warm tropical water, and a species that grows fast, attaining a large size when mature. It also presents parental care and is a generalist predator that feeds on many other species. Furthermore, it can escape from managed fish farms into natural waterways and establish viable populations without control. From the literature, 228 sites with records of Arapaima from around the world were identified, 95 of which are native sites for the species and 133 are sites where they were introduced. These sites are distributed in 28 countries in the Americas (North, Central and South), Europe, and Asia. Published results of introductions reveal that Arapaima has had negative impacts on native fish species, thus warranting closer attention in regards to how, when and where this species should be allowed.