Amazon Paiche

Paiche (pronounced pie-chay)  also know as Pirarucu and Paima is among the largest fresh water fish in the world reaching lengths of nearly ten feet and weighing hundreds of pounds. Their natural habitat is found among the Amazon basin.

 

Paiche is a mild flavored fish with firm white juicy flesh that forms a nice crust when seared. It is a delicious lower cost alternative to other white fish such as Chilean sea bass and halibut.

 

For centuries this fish has been considered a delicacy by inhabitants of the Amazon basin. The great demand for this fish caused the population to plummet. Over fishing caused this species to be added on the list of controlled species by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

 

Now for the good news. Scientists developed a method to sustainably farm raise paiche. The massive fish are now grown in earthen ponds in Brazil and Peru. This not only takes the strain off of wild populations but helps increase the economic well being of the indigenous people. There is also an effort underway to help restock the wild population by releasing farmed fingerlings into the wild. Eating farmed paiche helps the wild population recover.