1. A large freshwater fish native to South America, especially the Amazon River, valued as food and for sport fishing.
Usage: Also spelled arapaima or pirarucú.; One of the largest freshwater fish species in the world.

Examples

• The pirarucu can grow to lengths of over 10 feet.
• Fishermen in Brazil prize the pirarucu for its firm, flavorful meat.
• The pirarucu is an air-breathing fish that must surface regularly.
• Local communities have traditionally hunted pirarucu in the Amazon.
• Conservation efforts aim to protect pirarucu populations from overfishing.