Imagine you are on an expedition with Robert Ripley exploring an equatorial rainforest that receives over 400 inches of rain per year; that is about an inch of rain each day!
The Amazon River, which moves over 4 million cubic feet of water per second, is filled with Piranhas, stingrays, armored catfish and lots of other exotic freshwater species. See them here for yourself!
Silver Arawana
Known for the ability to leap up to 6ft out of the water to catch its prey, the Silver Arawana prefers the freshwaters of the Amazon River in South America ...more
Red-Bellied Piranha
The Red-bellied Piranha is named after its brightly colored belly and can be found throughout the Amazon River basin
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Pacu
The Pacu are freshwater fish that are related to piranhas and can be found throughout South America. Even though they are commonly thought to be vegetarian
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Tiger Shovelnose Catfish
Found throughout South American waters, this bony fish can grow upwards of 3ft in length. This catfish had a long silver body
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Red Tailed Catfish
This South American native catfish is given its name for its red or orange colored caudal (tail) fin. This freshwater fish is dark gray in color and
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- Location: Indicated in orange on the map
- Habitat/Region featured: Amazon rain forest
- Size: Tank hold 150,000 gallons (681,900 liters) of water
- Opening date: May 29, 2004
Fish Blogs
Grab the inside scoops, go behind the scenes, hear animal experts & more! See life at the aquarium unfold! More…
Osteoglossum bicirrhosum
Known for the ability to leap up to 6ft out of the water to catch its prey, the Silver Arawana prefers the freshwaters of the Amazon River in South America.
The Silver Arawana typically likes to feed on small fish, insects and crustaceans. However, due to its unique hunting ability an occasional bird, bat or snake can be found inside the belly of this bony fish.
This fish can grow up to 3 feet but has been found to reach up to 4 feet in length. Its scientific name Osteoglossum bicirrhosum, literally means ‘bone-tongued’ and ‘two barbells’ for their distinct features.
Pygocentrus nattereri
The Red-bellied Piranha is named after its brightly colored belly and can be found throughout the Amazon River basin. These carnivores are known for their destructive eating habits, but do occasionally feed on fruits and nuts.
Juveniles have been known to feed on the protein rich fins and scales of other piranhas, which heal quickly. The Red-bellied Piranha lives in shoals (schools) and can grow up to 12 inches in length.
The Pacu are freshwater fish that are related to piranhas and can be found throughout South America. Even though they are commonly thought to be vegetarian they are actually omnivorous, eating both plants and animals.
A full grown Pacu can weigh up to 60 pounds and grow upwards of 30 inches. These fish have sharp, almost human like teeth that they use cut vegetation and crush seeds.
Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum
Found throughout South American waters, this bony fish can grow upwards of 3ft in length. This catfish had a long silver body appropriately lined with black stripes and a long flat nose with whiskers, giving it the name Tiger Shovelnose Catfish.
This catfish is omnivorous meaning it is both carnivorous (eats meat) and herbivorous (eats plants), like humans. The Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is a migratory fish and nocturnal hunters.
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
This South American native catfish is given its name for its red or orange colored caudal (tail) fin. This freshwater fish is dark gray in color and has a broad head and wide mouth.
The Red Tailed Catfish can grow up to lengths of 4 feet and weigh up to 97 pounds. They are also known as Antennae Catfish for their long whiskers. These fish are not typically very active and like to lie around.
