Rondônia reserve records largest pirarucu capture

A massive pirarucu, measuring 2.46 meters in length and weighing 137.90 kilograms, was captured in the Rio Cautário State Extractive Reserve in Costa Marques, Rondônia. This specimen is now recognized as the largest pirarucu recorded to date within a conservation unit in the state of Rondônia.

The capture took place during the second stage of the 2026 managed fishing season. The operation was conducted by the State Secretariat for Environmental Development (SEDAM) through the Coordination of Conservation Units (CUC), in partnership with the Ji-Paraná Regional Environmental Management Office (ERGA-JPA). Local extractive community members participated directly in the activities.

The management actions aim to monitor and control the presence of the invasive pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) to maintain the environmental balance of the protected area. SEDAM emphasized that the involvement of local communities is essential for the success of monitoring and control efforts in the region.