Amazon Peacock Bass Fishing Trips with the World's Leading Authority

Pirarucu - Arapaima gigas
Why Breathe Air?

Amazon aquatic environments are influenced dramatically by the region's unusual characteristics. Seasonal rains can raise and lower water levels by as much as 40 feet. Daily variations in temperature and photosynthesis (plant respiration) can cause wildly varying levels of dissolved oxygen in Amazon waters. As a result, many Amazon fishes are routinely subjected to periods when their waters contain extremely low levels of oxygen (hypoxia or anoxia).

In order to survive these deadly conditions, many species have evolved unique respiratory strategies. Some absorb oxygen through their skin, others take advantage of multiple versions of oxygen carrying hemoglobin in their bloodstream. Many species simply migrate to avoid the difficult times. The arapaima, however, has literally risen above it all.

These lumbering Amazon giants have evolved the ability to simply rise to the surface and gulp air. Their modified swim bladders act as lungs, dispersing oxygen into the bloodstream. Their gills return the waste CO2 gases to the water. It's a neat system that allows arapaima to swim blithely along in conditions that would rapidly suffocate other fishes. Millions of years of evolutionary adaptation enabled them to prosper and proliferate throughout the Amazon. Nature's work however, is often quickly undone by man.

This once plentiful species suffers the misfortune of beimg particularly tasty to humans. The same air-breathing mechanism that allows them to survive the worst possible natural conditions proves to be their undoing when it comes to mankind. They are obligatory air-breathers -- and they must come to the surface in order to breathe. They would drown, just like us, if they couldn't periodically gulp air. This makes them an easy target for patient, harpoon wielding hunters who bring their flesh to market. Only recently have measures been taken to protect this magnificent Amazon giant.

Thislarge specimen (about 185 pounds) took a floating cut bait.

Osteoglossiformes are an extremely ancient order of prehistoric freshwater fishes. The arapaima, paiche or pirarucú, as it is known in Brazil, is the largest, scaled, wholly freshwater fish in the world. Fish over 3 meters (almost 10 feet) and up to 275 kg (600 lbs) have been recorded. At first glance, pirarucú look like an Amazon version of a tarpon, with a similar profile save for their flattened head and strange, club-shaped tail. The pirarucú's flesh is much sought after throughout the Amazon and for this reason, large specimens are becoming very rare.

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This giant specimen was photgraphed at the Japanese Natural History Museum in Manaus, Brazil.

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Although not usually pursued as a sport fish in the Amazon basin, pirarucú can be taken on conventional tackle with a little patience and a lot of persistence. They have been caught using a variety of large (7-inch or so) jerk baits (14-18 size Rapalas, big Bombers and Red-fins), although a large live baitfish (on a 14/0 circle hook) dropped under a big float is probably the best bet in areas where anglers are common.

Arapaima will, on rare occasions take a streamer fished in the deep lagoons it prefers to haunt. They are normally a very wary fish and must be approached with extreme caution. However, when guarding a spawning site, they have the unsettling habit of surfacing close to your boat like a giant prehistoric submarine, on occasion even leaping entirely clear of the water. Considering their size, and their brilliant array of spawning colors, this is an impressive performance. Pirarucú have both gills, which they use to release C02, and a modified air bladder structure that acts as a lung, which they use to gulp in air, supplying oxygen. Stout tackle is a must for these giants - For the determined fly fisherman, an 11 or 12-weight rod, 400-grain sink-tip line, heavy leaders and large streamers tied on 7/0 heavy saltwater hooks are standard equipment.

Though pirarucú are sometimes found in 'fishable' numbers (mainly in Brazil, Guyana and Peru), it is important to note that a great deal of time, patience and probably plain luck must be devoted to the fish if one is to catch one on a fly rod. It is not an everyday occurence in peacock bass waters.

The aruanã (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) is a close relative of the pirarucú. They are a schooling fish that in rare cases can reach a maximum weight of about 20-pounds. They are generally plentiful in peacock bass waters and make an interesting accompaniment to a peacock trip. Aruanã are extremely surface-oriented and can often be sight-fished as they cruise about just below the surface in search of prey. They take the same lures used for smaller peacocks (and especially love Heddon Zara spooks). They are a delight for fly fishermen. A 7-8-weight fly rod, floating line and a variety of medium-sized poppers and sliders (2/0) make for some exciting fishing. When hooked, aruanã repeatedly jump like a baby tarpon.

Aruanã - Osteoglossum bicirrhosum

The natives call this odd-looking silver creature "macaco d'agua", "water monkey" bcause of its ability to leap more than six feet out of the water. In addition to small fish, aruanã eat insects, small birds, bats and reptiles, which they will often snatch from overhanging branches.

Their large, light-reflecting, opalescent scales and their fluid swimming movements make them underwater billboards for the sight fishing angler. They take a bait by opening their cargo-door mouth, inhaling it and then closing the gate. Although not a particularly powerful fish, they are highly prized as a gamefish by many Brazilians.

The aruanã is also a very popular aquarium fish . One of the few remaining examples of fishes surviving from the Jurassic period, they give observers a peek into an ancient prehistoric world.

Aruanã take surface lures and flies.

Osteoglossid Reproduction

The arapima fans a large circle free of debris in sandy bottom areas. Eggs are laid in the 3 to 6 foot diameter nest. Aruanã, with two odd, fleshy barbels on their lower jaw, are mouth brooders. Males carry the relatively small number of eggs and young in their mouths, thus increasing their chances for survival.