The Incredible Biodiversity of Amazon River Fishes
The Amazon River is a force of nature. As the largest river in the world (by discharge) and the second-longest, it pours approximately 20% of all the fresh water on Earth into the ocean.
Beyond its sheer size, the Amazon River basin is a biodiversity hotspot, teeming with life. The fishes of Amazon River are a major part of that diversity. In fact, the Amazon is home to more species of freshwater fish than any other river system on the planet. Over 2,500 different species have been identified so far, and scientists are still discovering new ones.
This article will explore just a few of the most fascinating and diverse fish species that call the Amazon River home.
The Mighty Peacock Bass
One of the most sought-after fish in the Amazon River is the peacock bass. Known in Portuguese as “Tucunaré” and in Spanish as “Pavon,” these freshwater fish are prized for their aggressive nature and the powerful fight they put up when hooked.
Despite their name, peacock bass aren’t actually bass. They’re cichlids, a family of ray-finned fish that also includes tilapia and oscars.
Fishing techniques and strategies
If you’re angling for peacock bass, you’ll want to bring along a variety of lures, including jerk baits, spoons, jigs, flies, and topwater lures.
Larger peacock bass tend to congregate around submerged brush in 8 to 15 feet of water. Fishing the shallow edges in the mornings and deeper water during the day can be a good strategy.
Cast to brushy points multiple times, as peacock bass can be picky about striking.
Size and behavior
Peacock bass can grow to be quite large, sometimes topping 30 pounds.
They’re known for their aggressive strikes, which is one reason they’re considered such a prized game fish.
Giant Catfish of the Amazon
The Amazon River is home to some truly massive catfish species. Here are a few of the giants you might encounter:
Piraiba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum)
The piraiba is a true behemoth. These massive fish can grow to nearly seven feet in length and weigh over 400 pounds. Some reports even claim they can exceed eight feet and maintain that weight.
Catching one of these requires specialized tackle and techniques. It’s a bucket list fish for many anglers.
Pirarara (Red Tail Catfish – Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)
The pirarara, or red tail catfish, is another distinctive species. Its most notable feature is, of course, its bright red tail.
While not quite as large as the piraiba, the pirarara can still reach impressive sizes, growing up to five feet long and weighing over 200 pounds.
Barred Sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum)
The barred sorubim, also known as the tiger catfish, is recognizable by its striking black bars or stripes along its body. These markings give it its tiger-like appearance.
These catfish can reach up to four feet in length, and they typically weigh between 5 and 20 pounds.
Piranhas: Beyond the Myths
Piranhas are probably among the most well-known fish in the Amazon, but much of what people believe about them is based on movies and stories, not facts.
Piranha Diversity
The Amazon River is home to a wide variety of piranha species. The stereotype is that they’re all bloodthirsty predators, but in reality, many piranha species are vegetarian and not particularly aggressive.
Size and Aggression
One of the best-known piranhas is the red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri), which can grow to a maximum length of about 14 inches (35 cm).
Other piranha species can vary quite a bit in size. The white piranha and black piranha often weigh more than five pounds, while the red-bellied piranha usually weighs in at about a pound.
Behavior and Diet
Some piranha species are primarily scavengers, eating whatever dead matter they find, while others are active predators that hunt live prey.
Piranhas often live in groups or schools, which may be one reason they have such a fearsome reputation. There’s safety in numbers, and a school of piranhas is a force to be reckoned with.
Other Notable Amazonian Fish
The Amazon River teems with all kinds of fish, from the tiny to the terrifying. Here are a few more notable species you might encounter:
Arapaima (Arapaima gigas)
Also known as pirarucu, the arapaima is a true giant. These fish can grow to lengths of 10 feet or more and weigh over 400 pounds. They also have a neat trick: they can survive for a time out of the water.
Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)
The silver arowana is a striking fish known for its jumping ability. These fish can explode six feet out of the water to snatch prey. They’re sometimes called “water monkeys” because of their acrobatic hunting style.
Electric Eels (Electrophorus electricus)
Okay, technically they’re not eels, but these fish are famous for their electric shock power. They use electricity to hunt and defend themselves, generating jolts of up to 650 volts. Electric eels can grow to a maximum length of about six feet.
Payara (Hydrolicus armatus)
Payara are known for their impressive fangs and aggressive hunting style. They’re sometimes called “vampire fish” because of those teeth. Payara will attack and eat fish that are up to half their own size.
Bull Sharks (Carcharhinus leucas)
Yes, sharks. Bull sharks are unusual because they can live in both saltwater and freshwater. They’ve been found surprisingly far upstream in the Amazon, as far as 2,500 miles from the ocean.
Pancake Stingrays (Heliotrygon spp.)
These stingrays are relatively new to science, having been discovered in 2010. They have a unique, harmless defense mechanism, although the details are sparse.
Conservation and Sustainability
The Amazon River teems with life, but this incredible biodiversity is under threat. Protecting it is crucial, not just for the fish, but for the entire planet.
What can be done? One important strategy is responsible fishing. Encouraging catch-and-release helps ensure that fish populations remain healthy and abundant for future generations.
Another key is sustainable tourism. If you’re lucky enough to visit the Amazon, remember to do so responsibly. Choose tour operators committed to minimizing their environmental impact and supporting local communities. By traveling consciously, you can appreciate the river’s beauty without contributing to its destruction. The future of the Amazon’s fishes, and the rainforest they inhabit, depends on it.
Putting It All Together
The Amazon River teems with an astonishing variety of fish. From the infamous piranha to the enormous arapaima, the Amazon’s aquatic life is simply unparalleled.
It’s crucial that we protect this unique ecosystem through robust conservation efforts. The Amazon’s aquatic treasures are threatened by deforestation, pollution, and overfishing. Future generations must be able to enjoy the same incredible biodiversity we see today.
The Amazon River truly offers unparalleled opportunities for exploration and discovery, and we must all do our part to preserve its wonders.