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 Amazon Rainforest
A slice of Amazon aquatic life in Riverhead, Atlantis
Marine World’s
Amazon Rainforest exhibit reminds
us of our responsibility to our
planet’s environment
and animals.
A vast, highly threatened wilderness, the
Amazon Rainforest supports the Earth’s greatest diversity
of animal and plant life. More than 2,000 species of tropical
freshwater fish swim in the streams and ponds that border
the winding Amazon River.
Many of these fish, unfortunately, end up as pets, with
results that can be seen here. All the fish in this exhibit
have been rescued from people who did not have large enough
facilities to keep them.
“Winston,” the red-tailed catfish (Phractocephalus
hemioliopterus) in this exhibit, was rescued by
Atlantis Marine World after he outgrew and broke his
owner’s tank.
Similarly, the red pacu (Colossoma bidens) exhibited
here are often sold as pets when they are the size of a
quarter, but quickly grow to 12 inches, and an ultimate
length of four feet.
As you enjoy these magnificent creatures, remember that
they belong in the wild, or at a professional Aquarium – not
at home.
Amazing, but true
The silver arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum),
represented in this exhibit, can actually leap out of the
water to snatch insects, birds, and small mammals from
low-hanging branches.
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