Amazonia Species Facts | Fact sheets below |
Piranhas
Few animals have as ferocious a reputation as piranhas (genus Serrasalmus),
freshwater fish found in the tropics of South America. The
name, inspired by the piranhas' razor-sharp triangular teeth,
comes from the Portuguese piro for "fish," and sainha for "tooth." Piranhas
are also known locally as caribe, derived from the
Carib, an indigenous group for which the Caribbean Sea was
named. Columbus also reported hearing the feared Carib tribe
in Cuba called Canibaliterally, "strong men"and
indeed believed this group to be cannibals.
Like their tribal namesakes, piranhas have long been thought to eat humans. However, reports of the man-eating fishnot to mention the man-eating menare greatly exaggerated.
Most of the more than 20 species of piranhas found in the Amazon are omnivorous, eating both seeds as well as the meat of other fishes or wounded animals who stray into the water. Even the most blood-thirsty piranhas, however, cannot eat an entire animal by themselves; instead they merely nip off scales or bits of flesh. And only when herded together by low waters during the dry season will most species of piranha congregate in large schools, the only time when healthy mammals (and humans) need fear treading in rivers and lagoons.
The one exception is the caju (Serrasalmus nattereri), which does frequently form large schools. The caju is the most publicized piranha species, helping to spread misconceptions about this widely varied fish.
Harlequin Frogs
The 44-plus species of harlequin frogs are easily the jesters
of the Central and South American amphibian court. For one
thing, these so-called frogs are actually toads. And they
can be easily confused with poison dart frogs because they
sport brightly colored smooth skin, and produce highly toxic
skin secretions. But harlequin frogs intrigue herpetologists
for other reasons: They have a Bidders organ, a rudimentary
gland that enables males to develop functioning ovaries if
their testicles are removed; and they exhibit "transsexual
calling talents"meaning both sexes are able to
call during breeding season. Furthermore, tadpoles hatch
about 24 hours after the females lay their egg strands.
Fact Sheets
Amazon Basin
Arapaima
Geoffroy's
Marmoset
Goeldi's Monkey
Golden-headed
Lion Tamarin
Golden Lion Tamarin
Pale-faced
Saki
Poison Dart Frog
Pygmy
Marmoset
Other South American Species Fact Sheets
Andean Condor
Capybara
Cuban Crocodile
Geoffroy's
Cat
Giant Anteater
Maned Wolf
Red-legged
Seriema
Roseate Spoonbill
Spectacled Bear
White-nosed Coati