How many fish species live in the Amazon River?

3,000 species
While things may seem relatively quiet above the water, Amazon rivers and tributaries teem with more than 3,000 species of fish.

What animals only live in the Amazon River?

The Amazon is one of Earth’s last refuges for jaguars, harpy eagles, and pink river dolphins, and it is home to sloths, black spider monkeys, and poison dart frogs. It contains one in 10 known species on Earth, 40,000 plant species, 3,000 freshwater fish species, and more than 370 types of reptiles.

What’s the biggest fish in the Amazon River?

arapaima gigas
A native to Amazonia’s rivers and lakes, the arapaima gigas is one of the biggest freshwater fish in the world, measuring an impressive 10 feet long and weighing a whopping 485 pounds.

Is there piranhas in the Amazon River?

Piranhas range from northern Argentina to Colombia, but they are most diverse in the Amazon River, where 20 different species are found. The most infamous is the red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri), with the strongest jaws and sharpest teeth of all.

Do crocodiles live in the Amazon River?

Strictly speaking, there are no rainforest crocodiles in the Amazon Rainforest aside from the odd American or Orinoco crocodile that may from time to time end up in the northern reaches. Generally speaking, the Amazon Rainforest crocodiles are actually caiman in the alligator family.

Is it safe to swim in Amazon River?

Re: Swimming safe? Swimming in the big rivers (Amazon, Marañon, Ucayali) is generally not a good idea due to strong currents more so than parasites. Swimming in the smaller tributaries, especially black water tributaries and lakes is safe, but don’t swallow the water.

Are there sharks in the Amazon River?

We know that when the first Spanish explorers saw the mighty Amazon River they called it “The Great Inland Sea”, but it is full of freshwater. So are there sharks in the Amazon? Surprisingly, the answer is YES – bull sharks.

Are there piranhas in the Amazon river?

How big does a piranha get?

Piranhas commonly grow to 12 inches in length and weigh less than two pounds, but have been reported to grow up to 16 inches and over 7 pounds.

How many species of fish live in the Amazon River?

While things may seem relatively quiet above the water, Amazon rivers and tributaries teem with more than 3,000 species of fish.

What do fish eat in the Amazon River?

Many Amazon fish have adapted to frugivory, a diet based on fruits and seeds. About 200 species of fish feed show this habit, more than in tropical Africa and Asia 3.

Does the Amazon River support the Amazon rainforest?

While the Amazon River supports the Amazon rainforest on land, it is also home to a great diversity of aquatic and semi-aquatic fauna. What Animals Live In The Amazon River?

What is the largest freshwater fish in South America?

South America: Amazon River basin. International trade is restricted. Active fishing for Arapaima has reduced both the population size and the occurrence of large individuals, especially near the populated regions of the Amazon. It is often referred to as the largest freshwater fish.