Little Amazonians

Most of the diversity of freshwater fish in the world is found in the Amazon basin, as it is an environment with many rivers, lakes, streams and igapós. New species are found every year, so it is difficult to know exactly the number of species present in this region.

Some of the small Amazonians are endemic to this region (found only in the Amazon basin). Many trunks, branches and leaves of trees fall into the rivers, which are accumulated at the bottom and with the decomposition of this material, the water becomes more cloudy, having a “tea color” and the ph, more acidic. The species you see here are very popular for aquariums, but overfishing these animals is a risk, as is the construction of hydroelectric plants and the degradation of their habitats, through mining, for example.

Tank species

Darter characin

Characidium fasciatum

Common in the São Francisco and Paraná rivers, in environments with more still water, without current. They feed mainly on molluscs such as small gastropods, being good for eliminating snail pests in aquariums.

South American freshwater ray

Potamotrygon motoro

Found in South America, in the basins of the Uruguay, Paraná, Paraguay, Orinoco and Amazon rivers. Like other species of rays and sharks, they have a cartilage skeleton. It has the spiracle, which is an opening behind the eye, specialized for breathing. It produces a super toxic mucus that builds up in glands associated with the stinger that can cause painful wounds, headache, nausea and diarrhea in the prey. Toxicity varies by species.