Amazon River

The Amazon Rainforest is more than just a canopy of trees; it’s a vast, interconnected ecosystem that sustains a dazzling array of life. Beneath its thick foliage, a network of rivers, streams, and flooded forests supports one of the most diverse collections of aquatic species on Earth. These waters are crucial, driving nutrient cycles, sustaining food webs, and helping countless species thrive in one of the most biodiverse regions of the planet.

Our Amazon exhibit faithfully recreates these dynamic aquatic habitats, bringing the complexities of this ecosystem to life. Explore how species have adapted to survive in such a vast and competitive environment, and gain insight into the essential role the Amazon plays in regulating global biodiversity.

Our exhibit showcases an extraordinary range of species, from gentle plant-eaters to agile predators, each perfectly adapted to life in this intricate ecosystem. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll discover:

Black Pacu (Colossoma macropomum):

Peaceful herbivores often mistaken for piranhas, black pacus play a vital role in seed dispersal, maintaining the health of the Amazon’s forests.

Oscar Fish (Astronotus ocellatus):

With vibrant colours and complex social behaviours, oscars are skilled hunters, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans in the Amazon’s waterways.

Red-Bellied Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri):

Known for their sharp teeth and powerful jaws, red-bellied piranhas are opportunistic feeders. Despite their fearsome reputation, they usually scavenge for food, playing a vital role in keeping the Amazon’s rivers clean.

Lemon Tetra (Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis):

These tiny, colourful fish add splashes of yellow to the Amazon’s rivers. As active feeders and prey for larger species, they play a key role in the food web.

Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecus sternicla):

With their ability to leap from the water using their pectoral fins, hatchetfish are not only fascinating to watch but also vital for controlling insect populations.