Top Arapaima Fishing Countries

The arapaima (Arapaima gigas), also known as pirarucu or paiche, is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish, native to the Amazon and Essequibo river basins in South America. Renowned for its massive size—sometimes exceeding 2 meters in length—and its ability to breathe air, the arapaima is a prized catch for both commercial and sport fishers. Brazil is the leading country for arapaima fishing, particularly in the Amazon region, where regulated commercial and subsistence harvests are vital for local economies and indigenous communities. Peru and Colombia also have significant arapaima fisheries, with Peru’s Loreto region and Colombia’s Amazon basin being notable hotspots. In recent years, sustainable management practices and aquaculture initiatives in these countries have aimed to balance economic benefits with conservation, as overfishing and habitat loss have threatened wild populations.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.