Anjumara facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Anjumara |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hoplias
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| Species: |
aimara
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| Synonyms | |
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Hoplias macrophthalmus (Pellegrin, 1907) |
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The Hoplias aimara, also known as anjumara or wolf fish, is a large freshwater fish. It lives in the rivers of South America. This fish is very important for scientists. It can help them find out if there is pollution, like mercury, in the water. This is especially useful in the Amazon region. Local people there are concerned about mercury in fish.
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About the Anjumara Fish
The anjumara is the biggest type of Hoplias fish. Some have been caught measuring up to 120 centimeters (about 4 feet) long. The largest one caught with a fishing rod was 101 centimeters (about 3.3 feet) long. These fish can weigh as much as 40 kilograms (about 88 pounds). That's like a medium-sized dog!
What the Anjumara Looks Like
This fish has a long, round body shape. Its main color is brown, but it can have lighter areas. It often has vertical stripes or patches. You might also see small spots on its head and the front part of its body. The colors can change a lot depending on where the fish lives. Some are almost black, while others are light brownish-gold with dark stripes.
Anjumara Behavior
Even though it looks calm, the anjumara has been known to approach divers or swimmers. However, these encounters rarely cause serious harm. The fish is mostly active during the evening and at night. It is a predator that waits hidden to catch other fish. It also eats other small animals that fall into the water.
Where the Anjumara Lives
You can find the anjumara across many parts of northern South America. This includes countries like Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, and the island of Trinidad. They often live in parts of rivers and creeks where the water flows in different directions.
Anjumara Reproduction
Anjumara fish lay their eggs when the rainy season begins. This usually happens from December to March. A female fish can lay a lot of eggs. Depending on her size, she might lay anywhere from 6,000 to 60,000 eggs!
Anjumara and People
People often catch anjumara for food because its meat is considered good to eat. Because of this, the number of anjumara fish has gone down in many areas where people live.
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See also
In Spanish: Anjumara para niños
