Arapaimas are among the largest freshwater fish in the world and live in the Amazon basin – in the rivers, lakes and flooded forests of South America. They are predators that feed mainly on fish, but they also do not disdain birds, amphibians or smaller mammals if they come close to the surface. They usually grow to a length of 2–3 meters and can weigh over 200 kilograms. Thanks to their huge mouth, they can swallow a fairly large bite at a time, which they tear off with a sharp lunge.