Arapaima vs Atlantic Halibut
Arapaima gigas compared with Hippoglossus hippoglossus
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Arapaima | Atlantic Halibut |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arapaima gigas | Hippoglossus hippoglossus |
| Order | Osteoglossiformes | Pleuronectiformes |
| Family | Arapaimidae | Pleuronectidae |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient | Endangered |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Arapaima | Atlantic Halibut |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 450.0 cm | 470.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 200.0 kg | 320.0 kg |
| Color | Dark olive-gray to grayish-black back with large scales that become vivid red-orange with black borders on the posterior flanks; belly pale cream; caudal fin reddish and rounded. | Eyed side is olive-brown to dark greenish-brown with mottled paler blotches providing camouflage; blind underside is pure white; lateral line distinctly arched over the pectoral fin. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Arapaima | Atlantic Halibut |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 50-2000m |
| Geographic Range | Restricted to the Amazon River basin in Brazil, Peru, Guyana, and Bolivia. Inhabits flooded várzea lakes, oxbows, and large river channels; surfaces frequently to breathe … | North Atlantic from Labrador and Greenland east to Iceland, Norway, the Barents Sea, and the British Isles. Found on sandy and gravel bottoms at depths … |
| Habitat | Floodplain lakes (várzea) and large river channels of the Amazon basin. Slow-moving, shallow, warm freshwater (26-30°C). An obligate air-breather; rises to surface to gulp air. … | Neritic |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Arapaima | Atlantic Halibut |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | Yes |
| Fight Rating | 10/10 | 7/10 |
| World Record | — | — |
| Mercury Level | — | — |
Cuisine & Edibility
Arapaima
Large, firm white fillets with a mild, clean flavor and low fat; historically a staple protein in Amazonian communities. Often salted and dried; sustainable harvest is tightly regulated.
Atlantic Halibut
Firm, meaty white flesh with a mild, sweet flavor and very low fat. Endangered status — sustainable sourcing essential; superb pan-seared, poached in butter, or roasted with aromatics.
Species Overview
Arapaima
The arapaima is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, reaching up to 4.5 meters. An obligate air-breather, it must surface every 10-20 minutes to gulp air. Its tongue is bony and used to crush prey against the roof of its mouth.
Atlantic Halibut
The Atlantic halibut is the largest flatfish in the world, capable of exceeding 300 kg. Both eyes are on the right side of its body. It is a slow-growing, long-lived species that has suffered severe overfishing.