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

Simple Summary Environmental enrichments are essential tools for providing appropriate welfare conditions for animals under human care by stimulating mental and physical activity. Enrichment programmes in zoos and aquariums have developed rapidly over the past two decades, especially for charismatic mammal and bird species. However, when it comes to lesser-known species such as the arapaima (Arapaima gigas), there is still room for improvement. The arapaima is one of the largest freshwater fish species. It is fished and farmed for its meat but also kept on display in Asian aquariums. Despite its agricultural and ecological importance, there is limited information on the behaviour of the species. Its conservation status on the IUCN Red List continues to be Data Deficient. In this study, we investigate the use of a green laser pointer as a potential visual enrichment for arapaimas. Without displaying any aggression or territorial behaviour, the fish were more active and utilized more of their habitat in the presence of the novel stimulus. We believe that our findings support the use of the laser pointer as environmental enrichment for arapaimas and provide a basis for further behavioural and welfare research with the species. The arapaima (Arapaima gigas) is one of the largest freshwater fish species, known to exceed 3 m in total length. It is listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN. A. gigas is native to the Amazon River basin where they are an important food source. Arapaimas are also farmed for meat and for live specimens in various South American and Asian countries. Despite decades of keeping the species in public aquariums, little is known of its behaviour and cognitive abilities. This pilot study provides baseline data on using a green laser pointer as environmental enrichment for this species under human care. The data collection included 18 observations before the use of the laser pointer (baseline) and 18 observations during the use of the laser pointer (test). Ten behaviours were monitored, investigating physical contact, activity pattern and habitat use by the fish. During the test, the fish significantly increased their presence in the tank, their level of activity and their use of the habitat. This pilot study provides valuable baseline data for further investigations demonstrating the value of a laser pointer as environmental enrichment for A. gigas under human care.

Automated summary

Environmental enrichment is crucial for animal welfare. In this study, we investigated the use of a green laser pointer as a potential visual enrichment for arapaimas. The fish showed increased activity and habitat utilization in the presence of the laser pointer.