Contribution to the biology of the pirarucu, Arapaima gigas in captivity

Fontanelle, O.; Fontanelle, O

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Contribution to the biology of the pirarucu, Arapaima gigas in captivity

Fontanelle, O.

PUBL SERV PISCICULTURA SER l-C/177: 5-15

1959

Accession: 024393919

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Summary

Observations were made on various adult pirarucus kept in fish ponds in Brazil. Only 1 gonad is developed in either sex. When reared in captivity these fish reach maturity in their 5th year. Only a portion of the eggs in the ovary ripen at one time. When ripe they are light green and spheroidal in shape with transverse and longitudinal diameters of 4.2 and 2.8 mm respectively. During the reproductive period, the head and dorsal regions of the male darken and the scales are outlined with red over certain regions of the body. Spawning takes place, preferably in shallow water and over bottom free of vegetation, from Dec. to March. The fish vigorously defend a spawning site against others of their sp. The young are guarded by the male but there is no mouth breeding as was originally stated, nor are there "lactation" glands on the head of the parent to provide food for the young as has been believed. The young can be readily cultured and start to feed on approximately the 5th day.

Contribution to the biology of the pirarucu, Arapaima gigas in captivity

Fontanelle, O.

PUBL SERV PISCICULTURA SER l-C/177: 5-15

1959

Full-Text Article emailed within 1 workday

Summary

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