Arapaima

(a-ra-pī´ma), a genus of South American fresh-water fishes, ord. Physostomi, family Osteoglo idæ, one species of which ( A. gigas ) grows to the length of 15 or 16 feet, and forms a valuable article of food in Brazil and Guiana. It is covered with large bony scales, and has a bare and bony head.