Arapaima vs Clownfish
Arapaima gigas compared with Amphiprion ocellaris
Taxonomy & Classification
| Attribute | Arapaima | Clownfish |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arapaima gigas | Amphiprion ocellaris |
| Order | Osteoglossiformes | Perciformes |
| Family | Arapaimidae | Pomacentridae |
| Conservation Status | Data Deficient | Least Concern |
Physical Traits
| Attribute | Arapaima | Clownfish |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 450.0 cm | 11.0 cm |
| Max Weight | 200.0 kg | 0.01 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. | Vivid orange body with three bold white bands edged in black: one behind the head, one mid-body, and one at the tail base; all fins are orange with black margins and white stripe edges. |
Habitat & Environment
| Attribute | Arapaima | Clownfish |
|---|---|---|
| Water Type | Freshwater | Saltwater |
| Depth Range | — | 1-15m |
| 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 … | Eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific from the Andaman Sea and Thailand south to northwest Australia and east to the Philippines and Japan. Lives exclusively … |
| 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, coral reefs |
Aquarium Suitability
| Attribute | Arapaima | Clownfish |
|---|---|---|
| Min Tank Size | — | 75 L |
| Temperature | — | 24-27 |
| pH Range | — | 8.0-8.4 |
| Care Level | — | Easy |
| Temperament | — | Peaceful |
Fishing Information
| Attribute | Arapaima | Clownfish |
|---|---|---|
| Game Fish | Yes | No |
| Fight Rating | 10/10 | — |
| 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.
Clownfish
Not consumed — iconic ornamental marine species famous for its symbiotic relationship with sea anemones; a staple of reef aquariums worldwide.
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.
Clownfish
The ocellaris clownfish is a protandrous sequential hermaphrodite that lives in a mutualistic relationship with sea anemones. Its mucus coating protects it from anemone stings. All individuals are born male and the dominant fish transitions to female.