A large freshwater fish of South America, related to the arapaima, known for its large scales and air-breathing ability.
From Tupi 'arauaná' or related indigenous Amazonian languages, referring to this distinctive and culturally significant fish species. European naturalists adopted the indigenous names when describing New World fauna.
Aruans are one of nature's most impressive fish—they can grow to 3 feet long, leap out of water to catch birds, and possess primitive lungs that let them gulp air like ancient fish from 400 million years ago.
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