The famous river, making its way throughout South America, haunts researchers around the world. The Amazon can be studied endlessly, but it is impossible to fully understand it.

Amazon at the origins of the legend

The Amazon is the most water-bearing and deepest river in the world. It provides a fifth of all water reserves to the world's oceans. The greatest river of all existing on the planet originates in the Andes and ends its path in the Atlantic Ocean from Brazil.

All of South America is washed by the waters of the longest river.

The Aparai tribe, they come from the southern coast of the Amazon.

History of the discovery of the Amazon

The confluence of the Ucayali and Marañon rivers forms the majestic Amazon, which has continued its uninterrupted path for several millennia. There is information that the Amazon got its name thanks to Spanish conquistadors, who once fought with the Indians on the banks of a mighty river.

Then the Spaniards were amazed at how fearlessly the warlike Indian women fought them.

Unexplored Amazon.

So the river acquired its name, which has always been associated with the once existing female tribes of brave warriors. What is true here and what is fiction? Historians are still guessing and conducting scientific debates about this.

In 1553, the Amazon was first mentioned in the famous book “Chronicle of Peru”.

The Aboriginal tribe makes first contact with the outside world.

The first news about the Amazons

The very first information about the Amazons dates back to 1539. Conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada took part in a campaign across Colombia. He was accompanied by royal officials, whose subsequent report contained information about the halt in the Bogota Valley. It was there that they learned about an amazing tribe of women who lived on their own and used the stronger sex only to procreate. The locals called them Amazons.

Floating houses Iquitos, Amazon river, Peru

It is mentioned that the queen of the Amazons was called Charativa. Supposedly, the conquistador Jimenez de Quesada sent his brother's warlike women to uncharted lands.

But no one was able to confirm this data. And this information has little to do with the discovery of the river itself.

Taxi on the Amazon River.

Discovery of the river by Francisco de Orellana

Francisco de Orellana is a conquistador whose name is strongly associated with the name of the mighty South American Amazon. According to historical information, he was one of the first Europeans to cross the country in its widest part. Naturally, a clash between the conqueror and the Indian tribes was inevitable.

Route of the Orellana expedition 1541-1542.

In the summer of 1542, Orellana and his comrades found themselves in a large village located on the coast famous river. The royal subjects saw the local aborigines and fought with them. It was assumed that conquering the tribe would not be difficult. But the stubborn Indians did not want to recognize the power of the Spanish ruler and desperately fought for their lands. Were they brave women or just long-haired men?

It is difficult to judge, but then the conquistador was delighted with such desperate resistance of the “Amazons” and decided to name the river in their honor. Although, according to the original idea, Francisco de Orellana was going to give it his name. Yes, river impenetrable jungle acquired its majestic name Amazon.

Girls from a tribe on the Amazon River.

Amazon River Delta

Approximately 350 kilometers from Atlantic Ocean the delta itself begins deep river peace. Ancient age did not prevent the rapid Amazon from expanding beyond its native shores. This was due to active ebbs and flows and the influence of currents.

Beauty of the Amazon: water lilies and lilies.

The river carries incredible masses of debris into the world's oceans. But this interferes with the process of delta growth.

Initially, the source of the Amazon was considered to be the main tributary of the Marañon. But in 1934 it was decided that the Ucayali River should be considered a priority.

Colombian Amazon

The South American Amazon delta has an incredible area - up to one hundred thousand square kilometers, and a width of two hundred kilometers. A huge number of tributaries and straits are what characterizes this river.

But the Amazon delta does not fall into the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Wildlife by the river

Flora and fauna

Every biologist-researcher or curious traveler who is interested in the unknown world will want to visit the Amazon and be amazed by the incredible flora and fauna. The plants and animals that live along the Amazon coast make up, without exaggeration, the world's genetic pool.

The Jesus Lizard was named because it can run on the surface of water.

More than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, insects, invertebrates, flowers and trees - they surround the Amazon lands in a dense ring, ruling without limit. The entire basin of the mighty river is occupied by tropical rainforest. Unique nature education or equatorial forest The Amazon surprises with its climatic conditions. heat and high humidity- here are their main features.

It is noteworthy that even at night the temperature does not drop below 20 degrees.

Jaguar in the tropical jungle of a river delta.

Vines are thin stems that quickly reach impressive lengths. To move through these dense thickets, you will obviously need to cut your way, because almost no sunlight penetrates through the lush vegetation. A real miracle of the Amazon flora is a huge water lily that can withstand human weight.

Up to 750 species various trees will surely make even the most experienced explorer and traveler admire it.

It is in the Amazon that you can see mahogany, hevea and cocoa, as well as unique ceibas, the fruits of which are surprisingly similar to cotton fibers.

Amazon rainforest

On the coast of a South American river there are giant milk trees, the sweet juice of which resembles milk in appearance. No less amazing are the castanya fruit trees, which can provide you with amazingly tasty and nutritious nuts that are somewhat reminiscent of curved dates.

The Amazon rainforest is the lungs South America, so the activities of ecologists are aimed at preserving vegetation in its original form.

Capybaras

Capybaras can often be seen on the coast. This is a South American rodent that is distinguished by its impressive size and external signs incredibly reminiscent guinea pig. The weight of such a “rodent” reaches 50 kilograms.

An unpretentious tapir lives near the shores of the Amazon. It is an excellent swimmer and weighs up to 200 kilograms. The animal feeds on the fruits of some trees, leaves and other vegetation.

A water-loving representative of the cat family and dangerous predator a jaguar can calmly move through the water column and even dive.

Giant Arowana

Amazon wildlife

The Amazon is home to a huge number of fish and other river inhabitants. Particularly dangerous include the bull shark, which weighs more than 300 kilograms and reaches three meters in length, as well as piranhas. These toothy fish can gnaw off an entire horse just a few seconds before the skeleton.

But they are not the ones who rule the Amazon, because the caimans pose a danger to all living things. This is a special type of alligator.

Amazon Dolphin

Among the friendly inhabitants of a dangerous wild river You can highlight dolphins and beautiful ornamental fish (guppies, angelfish, swordtails), of which there are countless numbers - more than 2,500 thousand! One of the last lungfishes on the planet, protoptera, found their refuge in the waters of the Amazon.

Here you can also see the rarest arowana. This is a meter-long fish that can jump high above the water and swallow huge beetles in flight.

Giant snake in the Amazon.

One of the most terrifying creatures on the planet lives in the troubled waters of the Amazon. This is a river anaconda that is not afraid of caimans or jaguars. The deadly and swift snake can instantly overpower the enemy and kill the victim. The length of this water boa reaches 10 meters.

Piranha caught on a spinning rod.

Ecology

The dense Amazon forest is an irreplaceable ecosystem that is constantly under threat mass felling trees. The banks of the river have long been devastated.

Back in the second half of the twentieth century, most of the forests were turned into pastures. As a result, the soil suffered greatly from erosion.

Deforestation

Unfortunately, little remains of the primeval jungle on the Amazon coast. The scorched and partially cut down vegetation is practically impossible to restore, although ecologists around the world are trying hopelessly to correct the situation.

Somewhere in the Amazon jungle.

Rare species of animals and plants have become extinct due to disruption of the Amazon ecosystem. Previously, rare breeds of otters lived here, but global changes natural environment led to the destruction of the population. Arapaima is a true living fossil. But giant fish also faces imminent extinction. Four hundred million years ago these aquatic inhabitants appeared. But now they prefer to breed fish on local farms to save them from extinction. Despite all efforts, ancient fish The Amazon continues to die out due to catastrophic environmental breakdown.

Endangered species include the famous mahogany and real rosewood, which is an extremely valuable wood. It is from it that expensive environmentally friendly furniture is made all over the world. It should be emphasized that active deforestation along the coast of this South American river seriously threatens not only the ecology of the surrounding areas, but also the entire world.

Amazon on the world map

Amazon nature video

The Amazon River basin, also known as the Amazon rainforest, or Amazonia, covers more than 7 million square kilometers and spans the borders of nine countries: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. By some estimates, this region (which covers almost 40% of the South American continent) is home to a tenth of the world's animals. In this article, you will discover the most important animals that live in the Amazon, from monkeys to dart frogs.

Piranha

There are many myths about piranhas including that they can eat a cow carcass in less than 5 minutes or that they like to attack people. However, there is no doubt that the piranha is designed to kill, as it has sharp teeth and extremely powerful jaws. Considering how afraid many people are of the common piranha, they would hardly want to know about the giant piranha ancestor - megapiranha, which was 4 times larger than its contemporary.

Capybara

The capybara is the world's largest rodent, growing up to 70 kg. It is widespread throughout South America, but is especially fond of the warm, humid surroundings of the Amazon River basin. This mammal prefers the abundant vegetation of tropical forests, including fruits, tree bark, and aquatic plants, and gathers in social groups of up to 100 individuals.

Jaguar

The third largest representative after lions and tigers. Over the past century, jaguars have faced threats such as deforestation and human encroachment, limiting their range throughout South America. However, jaguars are much more difficult to hunt in the dense forests of the Amazon basin than in open areas, and impenetrable areas of the rainforest may be the last hope for these cats. Jaguar is a superpredator, being on top food chain, he is not threatened by other animals.

Giant otter

Giant otters are the largest members of the mustelidae family, and are closely related to weasels. Males of this species can reach a length of up to 2 m and a weight of up to 35 kg. Both sexes have thick and shiny fur, which is very valuable for poachers. It is estimated that there are only about 5,000 giant otters left in the entire Amazon.

Unusually for mustelids (but fortunately for poachers), giant otters live in large social groups, consisting of about 20 individuals.

Giant anteater

He has a comically long snout - thanks to which he is able to sneak into narrow insect holes, as well as a long bushy tail. Some individuals can reach a weight of 45 kg. Like many, the giant anteater is seriously endangered, but the swampy, impassable Amazon River basin provides some level of protection from human encroachment for the remaining individuals (not to mention an inexhaustible supply of tasty ants).

Golden lion marmoset

The golden lion tamarin is a small monkey, also known as the golden lion tamarin or rosalia. This species of primate has suffered terribly from human encroachment: by some estimates, the ape lost a whopping 95% of its South American habitat when European settlers arrived 600 years ago. The golden marmoset weighs no more than one kilogram and has an amazing appearance: thick, silky, bright red fur, as well as a dark face and large brown eyes.

The distinctive color of this primate probably depends on a combination of intense sunlight and the abundance of carotenoids contained in its diet.

Black caiman

It is the largest and most dangerous reptile in the Amazon. It is a member of the alligator family and can reach a body length of about 6 m and a weight of up to 500 kg. Black caimans eat almost anything that moves, from mammals to birds and their fellow reptiles. In the 1970s, the black caiman was in serious danger of extinction due to hunting for its meat and valuable skin, but its population has since recovered, which may not be a source of joy for other animals in the Amazon rainforest.

Tree frogs

Dart frogs are a family from the class of amphibians, with 179 species. The brighter the color of poison dart frogs, the stronger their poison - which is why Amazon predators stay away from bright green or orange species. These frogs do not produce their own poison, but accumulate it from ants, mites and other insects in their diet (this is evidenced by the fact that dart frogs that were kept in captivity and fed on other foods are much less poisonous).

Rainbow toucan

The rainbow toucan is one of the most comical animal species in the Amazon. It is characterized by a huge, multi-colored beak, which is actually much lighter than it appears at first glance (the rest of the body is not so bright, with the exception of the yellow neck). Unlike many of the animals on this list, the rainbow toucan population is of least concern. This bird jumps from branch to branch and does not live in large groups from 6 to 12 individuals. During the mating season, males challenge each other to a duel and use their beaks as weapons.

Three-toed sloth

Millions of years ago, during the Pleistocene era, the tropical forests of South America were home to giant, 4-ton sloths - Megatherium. How things have changed: Today, one of the most common sloths in the Amazon is the three-toed sloth (Bradypus tridactylus). It has a greenish-brown coat color (due to green algae), limbs with three sharp and long claws, and is also capable of swimming. This animal is terribly leisurely - its average speed about 16o meters/hour.

The three-toed sloth coexists with two species of the two-toed sloth genus (Choloepus): Goffman's sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) and the two-toed sloth or unau (Choloepus didactylus), and they sometimes choose the same trees.

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The Amazon Rain Forest is a vast ecosystem that provides habitat for creatures as strange and wonderful as the jaguar. poison frog and Jesus lizard. But the Amazon is home to more than just those animals that simply wander, swing and slide in the trees. In the depths of the Amazon River, itself big river In the world, there are living creatures that are so amazing and so terrifying that sometimes they seem even scarier than the creepy sea inhabitants.

Black Cayman

The black caiman looks like an alligator on steroids. They can grow up to six meters long, with larger, heavier skulls than Nile crocodiles, and are the top predator in Amazonian waters. This means they are kings of the river and eat almost anything, including piranha, monkeys, deer and anaconda. And yes, they often attack people. In 2010, a biologist named Dace Nishimura was attacked by a caiman while cleaning fish on her houseboat. while she managed to fight him off, he took one of her legs with him. This particular caiman had been living under her houseboat for eight months, apparently waiting for the chance to attack.

Green Anaconda
Continuing the theme of giant reptiles - the most big snake in the world lives in the Amazon: anaconda. While pythons are actually longer, the green anaconda is much heavier; females are larger than males and can reach 250 kilograms, grow to nine meters in length and reach 30 centimeters in diameter. They are not venomous, but instead use their muscles to constrict and strangle their prey, which includes capybara, deer, caiman, and even jaguars. Preferring shallower waters that allow them to sneak toward prey, anacondas tend to live in the branches of the Amazon rather than the river itself.

Arapaima
Arapaima are giant carnivorous fish that live in the Amazon and surrounding lakes. Encased in an armored casing, they don't have to worry about living in piranha-infested waters, as they are quite efficient predators themselves, feeding on fish and the occasional bird. Arapaima tend to stay close to the surface because they must inhale air in addition to the oxygen received through their gills. They make a distinctive coughing sound when they emerge to grab air. They can reach 2.7 meters in length and weigh up to 90 kilograms. These fish are so dangerous that even their tongues have teeth.

Giant otter
Giant otters are the longest members of the weasel family, with adult males reaching up to two meters from head to tail. Their diet primarily consists of fish and crabs, which they hunt in family groups from three to eight participants, and they can eat up to four kilograms of seafood per day. Their cute looks are deceiving as they are more than a match for the other animals on this list and are capable of hunting even an anaconda. Under certain conditions, they can easily protect themselves from caiman. One family of otters was seen devouring a 1.5m caiman, which took approximately 45 minutes. While their numbers are declining mainly due to human intervention, they are among the most dangerous predators in rain forest Amazons, receiving the local name “river wolves.”

Bull shark
Marine animals that typically live in the ocean bull sharks are at home in fresh water. They were found deep in the Amazon, in Peru, which is almost 4,000 kilometers from the sea. They have special kidneys that can sense changes in salinity surrounding water and adapt accordingly. And you don't want to meet one of them in the river. They tend to reach 3.3 meters in length and weigh up to 312 kilograms. Like all other sharks, they have several rows of sharp, triangular teeth and very strong jaws with a bite force of 589 kilograms. They are also quite partial to humans, being one of the most frequently attacked humans (along with tiger sharks and large white ones). Combined with the habit of living close to dense populated areas, this has led many experts to label bull sharks the most dangerous sharks in the world.

Electric eel
Electric eels are actually more closely related to catfish than simple eels. They can grow to 2.5 meters long and can generate charges of electricity from specialized cells called electrocytes. These shocks can reach up to 600 volts, which is enough to knock a horse off its feet. While shock alone is not enough to kill a healthy adult, shocks electric eel may cause breathing or heart problems and the person may drown. Many of the disappearances reported in the region have been attributed to eels that shocked their victims and left them drowning in the river. Luckily for us, eels tend to feed on fish, birds and small mammals. They locate their prey by sending out small, 10-volt blasts before killing them with larger blasts.

Piranhas
The most dangerous predator of the Amazon River, about which they even make horror films. The red-bellied piranha is primarily a scavenger. But that doesn't mean they won't attack healthy creatures, given that they can grow to over 30 centimeters and swim in large groups. Piranhas have incredibly sharp teeth, with one row on each of their strong upper and lower jaws. These teeth grip with tremendous force, making them ideal for tearing and tearing the flesh of their prey. Their fearsome reputation mainly comes from tales of their frantic attacks, where groups of piranhas attack their unlucky prey and tear them to shreds within minutes. These attacks are rare and usually result from starvation, or provocation.

Payara, vampire fish
Any creature with the name “vampire fish” should automatically be considered scary, and the payara is no exception. They are absolutely ferocious predators, capable of devouring fish up to half their own body size. Considering they can grow up to 1.2 meters long, this is no mean feat. A significant portion of their diet is made up of piranha, which should give you some idea of ​​how dangerous these villains can be. They get their name from the two fangs that grow from their lower jaw, reaching 15 centimeters in length. Payaras use their fangs to literally impale their prey after a lightning-fast strike. Their fangs are so large that vampire fish have special holes in their upper jaw to avoid impaling themselves.

Paku
Another inhabitant of the Amazon, which can be much more dangerous for men than for women. The pacu is a much larger relative of the piranha, known for its distinctive sharp teeth. Unlike most of the creatures on this list, the pacu is actually omnivorous, with the majority of its diet consisting of fruits and nuts. Unfortunately for some pacu, "nuts" can mean more than just what falls from the trees. Yes, that's right: Puck has sometimes had the testicles of male swimmers bitten off in Papua New Guinea after the fish apparently mistook their genitals for a snack. And don't worry that you can't head to the Amazon to see these monsters, because they're already spreading to Europe.

In order to see another country, for example, Brazil, get new impressions and a lot of positive emotions, you need to go on a trip. Especially if you saw the photos and they caught your attention in some way, but these are someone else’s memories, not yours. If you want to feel unity with nature, plunge into the primitive world, you are welcome to the Amazon. Boat trips on the queen Amazon rivers, getting to know the traditions and rituals of local residents, and communicating with amazing nature.

The flora of the Amazon is nothing short of impressive

Amazon Plants There are a variety of sixty-meter palm trees, and hevea, from the juice of which rubber is made, vines that climb the trees, as well as bright and colorful flowering plants. Any artist would envy the riot of colors. Do you love orchids? Imagine, in the Amazon there are more than four thousand species of orchids, delicate and beautiful, in the most imaginable and inconceivable shades. More than three thousand species of butterflies soar in the air, and they are all different; you will almost never find the same ones.

Giant water lilies that bloom for up to six months and change the color of the petals. At first they are soft pink, and at sunset the petals turn purple. The diameter of one water lily ranges from two to three meters. You definitely won't see a house like this.

Besides, Amazon vegetation differs depending on the location to the reservoir. The Amazon and its tributaries periodically flood the valleys. So, those plants that for a long time are under water for about several months, called "igapos". Then there are forests that are also sometimes flooded, but this happens rarely, the aborigines call them “warzea”, and those forests that the Amazon does not reach, they were called “ete”. In addition to forests, there is also river vegetation.

If you like to observe nature, you will certainly notice that the valleys that are more often flooded are less rich in vegetation. Instead of soil, silt predominates there, which can cover tree trunks several meters in height. Mostly vines grow here; cecropia is a medium-sized tree with light, wide leaves; giant water lilies are also common. By the way, some local residents eat their seeds.

The nature of the Amazon is a world treasure

Plants in less flooded areas are more diverse. Here you will see dense five-tiered forests. Hevea, a source of rubber, also grows here. The main vegetation in these areas are huge palm trees, 50 and 60 meters high. There are also chocolate trees, Brazil nuts, ferns and banana plants, as well as beautiful orchids.

If you are lucky enough to visit an area that never floods, you will be surprised by the abundance and lushness of vegetation. Still, Amazon nature– an amazing and magnificent world. A week is not enough to look at and explore everything.

In addition to ornamental trees, fruit-bearing legumes, laurel and myrtle trees also grow, as well as a host of plants that provide succulent and delicious fruits. Also in flood-free areas, residents grow cereals, cassava and other vegetables that they eat.

Amazon nature provides residents not only with shelter and food, but also with medicinal drugs. Recipes were passed down from generation to generation, and the forest pharmacy saved hundreds of lives from dysentery, snake venom, and from various skin diseases.

In addition, the nature of the Amazon gives people building material, for the construction of huts, and for the manufacture of transport - boats and canoes. It also provides “cellular” communications; just make a couple of drums and you can communicate while being at great distances from each other.

Local residents also use rubber for their needs, for example, they lubricate baskets, which makes them durable and makes it possible to carry more things, and they make soccer balls for children. Despite the remoteness from civilization, the population has all available materials at hand. And all thanks to nature.

The wildlife of Brazil is amazing

In addition to rich flora, the Amazon also has rich fauna. While traveling, you can meet unusual animals that have chosen their home rain forests Amazonia. Some cannot adapt even in zoos. However, one myth is still misleading. Surely, you have come across information that animals in the forests are practically on your heels. But that's not true. Many are very small and timid; as soon as they hear a rustle, they immediately hide, for example, like little marmosets.

Some animals lead night image life, for example, tapiti, this little bunny can appear only before dawn, quickly snack on grass or bark, and disappear again. Also everyone is big Amazon cats, jaguar or puma are predominantly nocturnal. Another amazing animal is the oncilla - it is also a wild cat, but it is much smaller than its large relatives. These animals are solitary and also hunt at night. During the day they rest in the branches of trees. You may not even see this beauty, since thanks to its variegated colors it is well camouflaged in the leaves.

If you miss pigs, in the Amazon you can see a similar animal - the furry baker. Despite the fact that peccaries are small, if you chase them, they can get angry and bite. Even little ones are able to protect themselves. Therefore, watch them from afar.

And of course, what would it be like without monkeys and parrots in the jungle? Many people are so accustomed to people, especially if they live near a village, that they can deign you with their attention. You will hear their chatter all the time. These animals are very sociable and loud.

IN Amazon jungle There are also dangerous animals that are best not approached - anacondas, snakes, there are even poisonous toads, they usually have a bright color, which indicates that they are unsafe for human health and life. Therefore, while traveling, always listen to the guide’s recommendations and be vigilant.

The underwater world of the Amazon is no less diverse. Perhaps you will be lucky to see freshwater dolphin. But it’s definitely better not to encounter piranhas, electric stingrays or alligators.

However, despite everything, the nature of the Amazon has always attracted attention, and now even more. Tourists are ready to betray the beaches of Copacabana just to be in its power for at least a week. Come and you won't regret it.

Amazon Wildlife, video:

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Top 10 inhabitants great river with whom you would hardly want to meet

The Amazon rainforest is a huge ecosystem that is home to such strange and amazing creatures, like the jaguar, dart frogs and basilisks. However, the forest is the habitat of not only those creatures that prowl, run or crawl in its wilds. In the depths of the Amazon River, the largest river in the world, live such amazing and scary creatures, which makes the movie Jaws seem like a nice, relaxing swim in the ocean in comparison.

10. Black Caiman


Essentially, the black caiman is an alligator on steroids. Black caimans can grow up to six meters in length, have larger and heavier skulls than Nile crocodiles and are apex predators in the waters of the Amazon River. This means that they are basically the king of the river, eating anything they can get their teeth into, including piranhas, monkeys, freshwater groupers, deer and anacondas.

Oh yeah, it's worth noting that they readily attack people. In 2010, a black caiman attacked a biologist named Deise Nishimura while she was cleaning fish on her houseboat. Even though she managed to fight it off, the black caiman took one of her legs with it. This caiman lived under her houseboat for eight months, apparently waiting for the right opportunity to attack.

9. Anaconda (Green Anaconda)


Continuing the theme of giant reptiles, we present to your attention the largest snake in the world, living in the Amazon River - the anaconda. Although reticulated pythons may be longer in body length, anacondas are much heavier. Female anacondas are typically larger than males and can weigh up to 250 kilograms. The anaconda's body length can be about 9 meters, and its body diameter can reach 30 centimeters. They are not venomous, but use their impressive muscular strength to constrict and strangle their victims, which include capybaras, deer, caimans and even jaguars. Preferring shallow waters that allow them to sneak up on their prey, they usually live not in the Amazon River itself, but in its branches.

8. Arapaima


Arapaima also known as "puraruku" or "paiche" is a giant predatory fish, which lives in the Amazon and adjacent lakes. Equipped with armored scales, they swim without much fear in waters infested with piranhas, and are themselves quite effective predators, feeding on fish and the occasional bird. Arapaima prefer to stay close to the surface because in addition to the oxygen they receive from the water through their gills, they also need to take breaths of air when rising to the surface of the water. Appearing on the surface, they make a characteristic sound similar to a cough. Their body length can reach 2.7 meters and weight 90 kilograms. These fish are so fierce that they even have teeth on their tongues.

7. Brazilian Otter (Giant Otter)


Brazilian otters are the largest freshwater otters. Brazilian otters have the most long length bodies from the entire mustelidae family, and adult males can grow up to two meters when measured from head to tail. Their diet mainly consists of fish and crabs, which they hunt in family groups of three to eight individuals. They can eat up to four kilograms of seafood per day. However, many people think they are cute, but don't let their cuteness fool you, they are no more harmless than the other creatures on this list. There have been cases where groups of Brazilian otters have killed and eaten adult anacondas. They can also kill a caiman with ease. During observation of one group of Brazilian otters, it was observed that they killed and ate a five-foot caiman in 45 minutes. Although their numbers are declining rapidly, due in part to human intervention, they are considered one of the most strong predators tropical forest Amazons, hence their unofficial nickname “river wolves”.

5. Bull Sharks


Although bull sharks typically live in salty waters ocean, they feel great in fresh waters. There have been cases when they swam so far down the Amazon River that they were seen in the city of Iquitos in Peru, almost 4,000 kilometers from the sea. Their specific kidneys sense changes in salt levels in the water and adapt accordingly. And you definitely wouldn't want to meet one of them in the river. These sharks often grow up to 3.3 meters in length, and the weight of especially large specimens caught by fishermen reached 312 kilograms. Like other sharks, bull sharks have several rows of sharp, triangular teeth and incredible strong jaws, providing a bite force of 589 kilograms. They are also not at all averse to feasting on humans, and it is this type of shark that most often attacks people (the second and third places are occupied by tiger and great white sharks, respectively). The above characteristics, coupled with the fact that these sharks prefer to live near densely populated areas, have led many experts to consider them the most dangerous sharks in the world.

4. Electric Eels


Electric eels are actually more closely related to catfish than other eels, but you probably wouldn't want to get close enough to them to find out for yourself. They grow up to 2.5 meters in length and can produce electrical discharges using special electrical organs located along their sides. These discharges can reach 600 volts, which is five times the power of the average American outlet and is enough to knock a horse unconscious. While a single shock is not enough to kill a healthy adult, repeated shocks can lead to cardiac or respiratory failure, and cases of people passing out and drowning after being attacked by an electric eel are not uncommon. Many of the disappearances reported near the Amazon River have been linked to eel attacks that stunned people with electricity and left them drowning in the river's waters. Fortunately for our species, even though eels are carnivores, they typically rely on a diet of fish, amphibians, birds and small mammals. They detect prey by sending out small, 10-volt discharges using their electrical organs, and upon finding it, kill it by releasing powerful discharges.

3. Red-Bellied Piranhas


The quintessential horror of the Amazon River, so frightening that it has inspired a number of controversial Hollywood films, the common piranha is actually a scavenger first and foremost. However, this does not mean that piranhas do not attack healthy creatures. They can grow up to 30 centimeters in length and usually swim in large groups, so they pose a significant threat to most animals. Like all types of piranhas, common piranhas have incredibly sharp teeth, which are arranged in a row on the upper and lower jaws of these fish. These teeth are completely closed, making them an ideal tool for tearing and tearing the flesh of the victim. Their fearsome reputation mainly comes from "fever feeding", where a whole group of piranhas surrounds the hapless victim and eats his flesh to the bone in a few minutes. Such attacks are usually the result of prolonged hunger or provocation.

2. Mackerel Hydrolic (Payara / Vampire Fish)


Despite their diminutive name, the mackerel is a ferocious predator, capable of catching and devouring fish as large as half their own body. Considering that their body length can reach up to 1.2 meters, this is quite an impressive feat. Most of their diet consists of piranhas, which should give you some idea of ​​just how ferocious these fanged fiends can be. Two fangs grow from their lower jaw, which can grow up to 15 centimeters in length. They use these fangs to literally impale their prey on them after they lunge at them. In fact, their fangs are so large that they have special holes in their upper jaw to prevent them from piercing themselves with the fangs.

1. Brown Pacu


One creature that lives in the Amazon River is much scarier to men than to women. The brown pacu is a much larger relative of the piranha, well known for its distinctive human-like teeth. Unlike many of the other creatures on this list, pacu are actually omnivores, and the majority of their diet consists of fruits and nuts. Unfortunately, for some pacu, “nuts” are not just what falls from the trees. Yes, you heard that right. There have been several cases of pacu biting off the testicles of male swimmers. In Papua New Guinea, several men died after a paku mistook their genitals for easy prey. Oh yeah, don't worry if you can't get to the Amazon to see these monsters robbing men of their dignity - they've already started spreading across Europe.

And in conclusion, to finally assure you that the saying “it’s good where we are not” is not always true - the film “ The most dangerous animals of the Amazon" from National Geographic: