Middle Amazon
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.
Spotted sorubim - Pseudoplatystoma corruscans
Found in the basins of the São Francisco and Paraná rivers. They feed exclusively on fish. It is a large species, it can reach a maximum size of 1 m and 66 cm, weighing 100 kg. Because it has dorsal and pectoral spines, care must be taken when handling it.
Redtail catfish - Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Found in the Orinoco and Amazon river basins. They feed on fish, crabs and fruits. It is one of the most colorful leather fish (which does not have scales) in the Amazon. It is a large fish, reaching 1 m and 35 cm, weighing 44 kg. It is very popular in sport fishing, where the focus is not on consumption, as the animals are returned alive to nature.
Porcupine river stingray - Potamotrygon hystrix
They live in South America, in the basins of the Paraná and Paraguay rivers, in marshy areas camouflaged on the sandy bottom. This species has one or more stingers in the tail, which are changed 2 or 3 times a year. This species 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.
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.