Point for Enrichment, Point for Welfare-Testing Use of a Laser Pointer with Arapaima gigas.

Area of Science:

• Ichthyology
• Aquatic Animal Behavior
• Animal Welfare Science

Background:

• The arapaima (Arapaima gigas), a large Amazonian freshwater fish, is an important food source and farmed species.
• Despite its significance and presence in aquariums, arapaima behavior and cognitive abilities remain poorly understood.
• The IUCN lists Arapaima gigas as Data Deficient, highlighting knowledge gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide baseline data on the effectiveness of a green laser pointer as environmental enrichment for arapaima (Arapaima gigas) in human care.
• To investigate the impact of laser pointer use on arapaima physical contact, activity patterns, and habitat utilization.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 18 baseline observations (no laser) and 18 test observations (with laser).
• Monitoring of ten specific behaviors related to physical contact, activity, and habitat use.
• Utilizing a green laser pointer as the environmental enrichment tool.

Main Results:

• Arapaima (Arapaima gigas) showed a significant increase in tank presence during laser pointer use.
• The fish exhibited a significant increase in overall activity levels.
• Habitat utilization by arapaima significantly increased when the laser pointer was introduced.

Conclusions:

• A green laser pointer can serve as an effective environmental enrichment tool for arapaima (Arapaima gigas) in managed care settings.
• This study provides valuable foundational data for future research into arapaima behavior and welfare.
• Environmental enrichment is crucial for improving the well-being of captive arapaima.