First record of Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) (teleostei: Osteoglossomorpha), the “pirarucu”, in the upper paraná river basin, southeast Brazil

Abstract

Arapaima gigas (Schinz), the “pirarucu”, is one of largest freshwater fish of the Neotropical region, naturally occurring in the Amazon, Essequibo, and Orinoco river basins. Herein, it is first recorded from the Grande River, in the upper Parana River basin. This record is based on the finding of one dead specimen on the left margin of the Grande River, and in situ observation of juveniles and adults in the river.