This paper aims to analyse aspects of production system and management of "pirarucu", in regard to reproduction, fry survival, feeding, growth, rusticity and economics. Despite the animal protection act, fishing of pirarucu is predatory and cause serious damages to its natural stocks. Because of its extraordinary ponderal development, 10kg on its first year of age, culture of pirarucu is deemed viable. The spawning occurs naturally in captivity at age 5, live weight around 40 to 45 kg and it is partially made. Outside the reproduction period, the species does not show secondary extragenital characters. Age and the period of the first sexual maturation are not well defined in nature. Density shall be one individual for each 200 m2 of flooded area, when dams are utilized as reproduction places. Fingerlings are usually captured on the same dam where reproduction occurs. Fingerlings are fed on quantities equivalent to 8-10% of its live weight. Despite its carnivore feeding habit, fingerling pirarucu are not cannibal and show survival rates up to 100%. Pirarucu is a branquial breather, but utilizes its vascularized swin bladders as accessory breathing organ. "Pirarucu" production on the Amazon basin relies on its capture in the wild. In extensive production system the species can reach 199,7 tons obtained, in 1962, in northeast Brazilian dams.
amazon; fishing; pisciculture; Arapaina; pirarucu