THIS SPECIES IS AT RISK OF EXTINCTION. Also known as Prochilodus magdalenae, bocachico is a medium-sized fish endemic to Colombia, living in the shallow water of the Atrato, Cauca, Sinú, Ranchería, Claro, and Magdalena rivers and nearby swamps.
This fish can reach a length of 50 centimeters, and its name refers to its small mouth with small teeth which are located on the lips. It has silvery scales, while the fins vary in color from pink to red. In the past, bocachico was one of the main sources of income for fishermen in the Caribbean region of Colombia, while the local population used it in soups or fried it.
The pirarucu, also known as the arapaima or paiche is often dubbed "a living fossil", and is the second largest species of freshwater fish in the world, and it is believed to have been inhabiting the shallow waters of the Amazon River basin for millions of years.
This air-breathing, torpedo-shaped fish is widely renowned for its firm, white, and succulent flesh, with a delicately mild and scrumptious flavor, making it a highly appreciated gourmet delicacy of Amazonian cuisine. Owing to its firm meat, the fish easily lends itself to a variety of cooking methods including grilling, roasting, baking, steaming, smoking, and pan-searing.
Tambaqui (lat. Colossoma macropomum) is a freshwater fish native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. It is one of the largest scaled freshwater fish species in these regions. Tambaqui has a laterally compressed body with large scales and a deep red coloration on its fins and tail.
It can grow to impressive sizes, reaching lengths of up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) and weighing over 30 kilograms (66 pounds). The species is known for its fast growth rate and the ability to adapt to different aquatic environments. Due to its large size and excellent taste, tambaqui is a highly valued food.
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