Amazon fish

Amazon river fish - breeding and feeding: The Amazon is one of the greatest watercourses in the world. One of the longest rivers, it is nearly 6,259 to 6, 712 km long. In the dry season, it is almost 11 km wide, whereas after the rainy season, its tributaries triple in size, and therefore there is an increase in the flooded areas (approximately 350,000 square km).

Amazon fish breed in varied ecological niches and aquatic habitats. They have various body types, shapes and diets as well. While in the Andes Mountains, aquatic plants serve as food sources, in clear-water, with a lack of nutrients, Amazon fishes resort to external river resources. The rivers have insufficient aquatic vegetation because of suspended sediments and high levels of tannins. There is very little production of plants and vegetation. Hence, the Amazon fish have to depend on flowers, fruits, insects, wood, leaves and other matter, which are washed into the river.

Buying Amazon fish: One can buy Amazon fishes at the local aquarium, or even log on to various websites where unusual kinds are available. Apart from this, one can buy fresh and attractive Amazon fishes at various exotic places like Indonesia, where they are also available as exotic fish delicacies. People adorn their homes with Amazon fish tanks and small ponds. Since they are not available all over, the Amazon fishes are comparatively quite expensive.

Protection of the tropical Amazon fish: The Amazon basin has the largest number of freshwater tropical fish species in the world, numbering nearly 3,000 or more. Many of the tropical Amazon fishes are rare and heading towards extinction. Various organizations are therefore trying to protect the bio-diversity of this region, and to counter the flooding and sedimentations that occur regularly. They also address the deforestation and over-fishing issues. Aquariums and Amazon fish dealers buy tropical captive-bred fish from international dealers.

Dangerous Amazon fishes: Some Amazon fishes are dangerous to humans. For instance, although freshwater stingrays do not attack people, their poisonous spines can prove injurious. Piranhas are also very dangerous as they are attracted to blood. They vary in coloration and size, with dark tops and orange undersides. The Anaconda is also found in the Amazon basin, and is considered one of the world’s largest species of snake. The Bull Shark, regarded as the most dangerous shark alive, has been known to inhabit the land-locked areas of the Amazon River. Apart from fishes and snakes, mosquitoes are also considered a threat, as they carry dengue fever and malaria.

Largest Fish in the Amazon River: The Araipama, or the Pirarucu as it is commonly known, is a major attraction of the Amazon basin. It is nearly 15 ft in length, and weighs up to 200kg. Sturgeon, a very large freshwater fish, is also found in the river.

Some other fish, like the manatee and stingrays, nestle in the tributaries. Many others are yet to be discovered, because of the vastness of the river and the inability to go into its deeper regions.