<P> The arapaima , pirarucu , or paiche are any large species of bonytongue in the genus Arapaima native to the Amazon and Essequibo basins of South America . Genus Arapaima is the type genus of the family Arapaimidae . They are among the world 's largest freshwater fish , reaching as much as 3 m ( 9.8 ft ) . They are an important food fish . They have declined in the native range due to overfishing and habitat loss . In contrast , arapaima have been introduced to several tropical regions outside the native range ( within South America and elsewhere ) where they are sometimes considered invasive species . Its local name , pirarucu , derives from the indigenous words for `` pira '' meaning `` fish '' and `` urucum '' meaning `` red '' . </P>
<P> The arapaima , pirarucu , or paiche are any large species of bonytongue in the genus Arapaima native to the Amazon and Essequibo basins of South America . Genus Arapaima is the type genus of the family Arapaimidae . They are among the world 's largest freshwater fish , reaching as much as 3 m ( 9.8 ft ) . They are an important food fish . They have declined in the native range due to overfishing and habitat loss . In contrast , arapaima have been introduced to several tropical regions outside the native range ( within South America and elsewhere ) where they are sometimes considered invasive species . Its local name , pirarucu , derives from the indigenous words for `` pira '' meaning `` fish '' and `` urucum '' meaning `` red '' . </P>
what is the largest fish in the amazon
what is the largest fish in the amazon
arapaima
arapaima