Morphometric relationships and indirect determination of the length frequency structure of the pirarucu, Arapaima gigas (Cuvier), im Brazilian Amazonia

The pirarucu (giant red fish), Arapaima gigas (Cuvier), (Arapaimidae) is am ong the diverse fish resources of Amazonia which are threatened by over-exp loitation. Little is known about the biology of this species despite its co mmercial importance. The present paper provides indirect information about the length-frequency structure of the stock which was estimated by sampling its tongue bone in craft shops and weighing fresh mantas (processed fish p roduct) in fish markets since these were the only remaining recognizable fe atures of the fish. The length-frequency reconstruction was carried out usi ng a regression analysis calculated by utilizing individuals caught in expe rimental fishing.