Nanay River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nanay River |
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The Nanay River (black) meets the Amazon River (light brownish; in background)
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 Location of mouth
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| Country | Peru |
| Region | Loreto Region |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Amazon River 3°42′S 73°15′W / 3.700°S 73.250°W |
| Length | 315 km (196 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 16,673.4 km2 (6,437.6 sq mi) 19,413 km2 (7,495 sq mi) |
The Nanay River is a river found in northern Peru. It's a smaller river that flows into the mighty Amazon River near the city of Iquitos. The Nanay River flows to the north and west of Iquitos, while another river, the Itaya River, flows to the south and east.
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About the Nanay River
The Nanay River is about 315 kilometers (195 miles) long. It flows entirely through flat, low-lying areas. This means it's a very winding river with a slow current. It often splits into many smaller channels called canos and forms long chains of lagoons. These areas can flood a lot during the rainy season.
Life Along the River
Several small villages are located along the Nanay River. These include Santo Tomás, Padre Cocha, and Santa Clara. When the river's water level is low, many sandy beaches appear along its banks. These beaches become popular spots for people to visit and relax.
A Special Kind of Water
The Nanay River is known as a blackwater river. This means its water looks dark, almost like black tea. This color comes from decaying plants and soil that release a lot of tannins and other organic materials into the water. Blackwater rivers are usually very clear, but their dark color makes them look deep and mysterious.
Animals in the River
The Nanay River is home to many different kinds of fish. It has a high species richness, meaning you can find a wide variety of fish here. Some of these fish are very popular in the aquarium industry. For example, a type of fish called green discus can be found here. These fish were actually introduced by accident in the 1970s and have since made the Nanay their home.
Protected Areas
A part of the Nanay River flows through the Allpahuayo-Mishana National Reserve. This reserve is a protected area that helps to keep the unique plants and animals of the region safe. It's an important place for scientists to study the rainforest and its rivers.
