Rio Negro (Amazon) facts for kids
The Rio Negro is a big river that flows through the Amazon rainforest. You can find it in northwestern Brazil, specifically in the state of Amazonas.
It's known as the largest blackwater river in the world. The name Negro means "black" in Spanish and Portuguese. Its water looks dark, almost like strong tea, because of tiny bits of humus (decayed plant material) that are dissolved in it.
The Rio Negro is the biggest river that flows into the Amazon River from its left side (if you're looking downstream). It starts its journey in Colombia and eventually joins the Amazon in the Amazon basin.
Amazing Fish Life
The Rio Negro is home to a huge number of different fish. Scientists have found about 700 types of fish in this river system! They think there might be as many as 800 to 900 different species in total.
Many of these fish are found only in the Rio Negro. These are called endemic species. Some of the fish from this river are very popular in the aquarium trade, like the colorful cardinal tetra.
Images for kids
-
The confluence of the Amazon River and the Rio Negro at Manaus, Brazil.
-
Cruise ship on the Rio Negro on the way to the city of Manaus.
-
Rio Negro near Manaus
See also
In Spanish: Río Negro (Amazonas) para niños
