Rostlinná akvária

Let's take a closer look at what kinds of species occur in the Igapó region. Since the list would be incredibly long, this will only be a small sampling.

• Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi) – These small, brightly colored fish are practically a staple of the aquarium hobby.
• Cardinal Tetra (Paracheirodon axelrodi) – Similar to the Neon Tetra, but with a more intense red coloration.
• Discus (Symphysodon spp.) – Known for their distinctive shape and variety of colors, discus are more demanding to care for.
• Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) – With their elegant fins and impressive appearance, angelfish are a popular choice for medium and large aquariums.
• Dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma) – These small cichlids are known for their bright colors and complex behavior. They require well-structured aquariums with plenty of hiding places for breeding and are sensitive to water quality.
• Corydoras Catfish (Corydoras) – There are many species of Corydoras catfish. All are bottom dwellers. They are popular not only for their appearance but also because they play an important role in maintaining cleanliness in the aquarium.
• Rummy Nose Tetra (Hemigrammus rhodostomus) – Known for their characteristic red markings that end at or slightly beyond the gills.
• Otocinclus Catfish (Otocinclus) – These small algae eaters are suitable for community aquariums and can be kept in groups under the right conditions, including sufficient algae and a gentle current.
• Silver Arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum) – Although it is a much larger species that is demanding to care for, the Silver Arowana is an iconic fish of the Amazonian waters. Keeping arowanas in captivity is difficult and requires a large aquarium.

Of course, other remarkable creatures also inhabit this fertile and diverse environment, which I will only briefly mention here:

Amphibians and Reptiles

• Various species of frogs and toads that thrive in the humid forest environment.
• Anacondas and other snakes that use the flooded forest for hunting.
• Caimans that use the flooded areas as hiding places and hunting grounds.

Birds

• Water birds such as herons, egrets, and terns, which are often seen hunting in the waters of the Igapó.
• Forest birds that thrive in densely wooded areas, including various species of parrots and toucans.

Mammals

• The Amazonian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis), which occasionally ventures into the flooded forest areas.
• Various monkey species that live in the trees, such as howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys.

Invertebrates

• Numerous insect and spider species that are adapted to life in the periodically flooded ecosystem.
• Aquatic invertebrates such as shrimp and crabs, which are found in the soft substrate and among the submerged roots of the trees.

The Igapó ecosystems are dynamic and differ significantly not only in terms of biodiversity but also in ecological roles and interactions.

The species that live in this environment, which undergoes drastic changes between wet and dry seasons, are adapted to it, which fundamentally influences their life cycles and behavior.