More than 2,000 different fish species can be found in the Amazon, making it a haven for aquatic life. For those who like to learn more about the diverse animals that call this vast region their home, it is a paradise for those who wish to study the fauna of this vast region.
Obviously, not all species of fish in the Amazon River Basin are friendly, and this is especially true for the piranhas. Because the rainforests are uncontaminated, the animals that live there are also uncontaminated. Because of this, we will present you with five of the most deadly fish that can be found in the waters of the Amazon in the following paragraphs.
Prepare yourself, for some of the types of fish listed here are more than just potentially hazardous.
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Pacu
While the name of this species may be endearing to some, individuals who come into contact with a specimen of this species will be rewarded with a spectacular sight, and in some cases, considerable discomfort. Pacu, a fish that is related to the piranha, is a considerably larger kind of fish. Among their most frightening characteristics are their human-like teeth, which can bite through anything from fruits and nuts to a man’s most prized things, making them extremely dangerous.
If you plan on diving in the Amazon River, you should consider wearing a pair of fishing pants that are thick enough to keep fish from biting you. However, diving in the Amazon is not recommended. However, if you happen to be in European waterways, be on the lookout for this species of fish, which has begun to move out of the Amazon and into some parts of Europe.
Arapaima
It is also known as paiche or pirarucu, and it is a massive fish that can grow to nine feet in length and weigh up to 200 pounds, among other things. In order to lift this thing off the ground, you’d need to be a serious bodybuilder. However, you might want to reconsider your choice.
For starters, because Arapaima are a predatory fish that isn’t afraid of the dreaded piranha, which is one of the reasons why some Arapaima may be seen peacefully coexisting with the latter species in waters where the later is also found. Even though an Arapaima is born with the regular set of teeth that a fish is born with, we’re not done yet.
Furthermore, the fact that they have teeth on both sides of their tongue contributes to the effectiveness of their predatory abilities. As a result, it is strongly advised that you avoid any contact with the Arapaima. The most straightforward method of identifying one is to maintain complete attention on your ears and listen for a coughing sound that is specific to this species. For this reason, they frequently come to the surface and make the coughing sound we mentioned before as soon as they get out of the water. They do this because they must take in oxygen through their gills.
Payara – the vampire fish
A vampire’s fangs are normally extremely sharp and somewhat long, which allows them to suck blood from their prey while remaining undetected. This breed of fish, on the other hand, is capable of defeating any vampire on the planet. Why? This is due to the fact that Payara have two long tusks that can grow up to six inches in length. These tusks, which sprout from the lower jaw of the fish, are enormous even for the fish itself.
Even if a Payara can grow to be four feet in length, that is still not enough to allow his mouth to conceal the tusks we stated earlier. In order to avoid impaling themselves while taking a break from chomping on piranhas, they have two holes strategically placed on their upper jaw.
Bringing your fishing gear and hoping to catch a Payara is certainly an option. However, getting too close to the creature and getting a better look is unlikely. It is preferable if they remain in their natural habitats and are not disturbed.
It is after all, the vampire fish, and since we are terrified of vampires, which are fictitious, there is no question that we will flee or swim away if we see one of these creatures.
Candiru
For the most part, this species is much smaller than the other species on this list, which contrasts with the other species on this list that are larger. Is there anything to be terrified of? As a man who enjoys dipping his toes in water, you should be particularly wary of these.
They are freshwater catfish, however they are also parasitic on other fish. This means that they will feed off of anyone or anything to which they are able to attach themselves in some way. Because of the spines that can be discovered on their back, it is possible to attach to them. They normally make themselves at home by attaching themselves to the victim’s gills, after which they proceed to feed off of the victim’s blood.
The reason why we suggested you should be terrified of such a fish is because there have been instances of Candiru sneaking up the urethras of persons who ventured… to take a pee in their treasured waters, and consuming them.
The majority of scientists believe that it is extremely unusual for someone to find themselves in such a circumstance, however there has been one reported case of a guy who had a Candiru fish become lodged in his urethra and was forced to undergo surgery in order to extract the fish from the delicate area. Keep your pants on if you want to be safe!
Red-Bellied Piranha
You’ve heard this species’ name mentioned a couple of times so far, but it was in the context of another species that was actually eating them for lunch at the time. A school of piranhas, on the other hand, is something to be scared of, and it is one of the primary reasons why you should never leave your boat while traveling through the Amazon.
When it comes to this species, the idea that they swim in vast numbers is more of an understatement than anything else. Despite their diminutive size (they can grow up to 12 inches in length), these scavengers never forage alone. Just image a school of about forty piranha swimming along quietly until they detect food and begin to ready their interlocking teeth for the feast ahead of them. Speaking of teeth, the lower and upper jaws of a Piranha are both packed with razor-sharp teeth that are extremely painful to the touch.
The majority of the time, especially in Hollywood movies, this species is shown as being reliant on feeding frenzy to sustain itself. We’re talking about those scenarios in which someone or something – preferably meat – is tossed into the water and the water becomes extremely agitated and bubbling, a sign that they have begun their feasting period.
But this only happens when the Piranhas are starving or irritated, and neither of these conditions exist. Nonetheless, you should avoid bringing your fishing boots or any other extremely durable fishing clothing, as they will almost certainly be ripped off if you come across a school of Piranha while fishing. Keep your distance from the ocean!