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Orinoco crocodile
The Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius)
is a relatively large species with a long, slight upward-curving
shout. They can reach lengths of up to 15 feet (4.6
m). Orinoco crocodiles can be found in the quiet waters
and lagoons of the Orinoco River basin. Juveniles eat
small fish and invertebrates. Larger animals eat many
aquatic vertebrates, including fish. Terrestrial mammals
or birds approaching or in the water are also easy prey.
"Juancho" (male) was a house pet in Venezuela
before being taken to a breeding farm. "Miranda"
(female) was confiscated from poachers and sent to an
experimental laboratory. It is believed that only one
thousand adult Orinoco crocodiles are left in the wild.
The Dallas World Aquarium actively participates in conservation
programs for this critically endangered reptile.
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Red bellied piranha
Red-bellied piranhas (Serrasalmus nattereri)
are indigenous to the rivers of South America. They have stocky
silver bodies with reddish bellies. Their triangular, interlocking
teeth are razor sharp. These communal, meat-eating fish can
devour animals in seconds. This feeding frenzy is usually
caused by the scent of blood in the water.
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Cotton top tamarin
Cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus)
are located safely above Crocodile Cove. Highlighting the
grayish-brown body of the Cotton-top tamarin is a crown of
shocking white hair. These diurnal and arboreal primates are
very social and live in groups of thirteen or more individuals.
Males and other siblings become the primary care givers of
the newborn (usually twins).
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Bare-throated bell bird
Bare-throated bellbirds (Procnias nudicollis)
share the rainforest with the Cotton-top tamarins. They are
completely white, except for a featherless, blue area round
their face and eyes. Bellbirds have the ability to make extremely
loud calls or bell sounds that can be heard throughout the
rainforest. Bellbirds use mating area known as exploded
leks. A lek is a small circular area in which the male performs
a ritual dance to attract a female. In an exploded lek, instead
of several males performing or displaying in small arenas,
fewer males perform in a large circular pattern (often up
to .5 mile or .8 km in diameter). Male Bellbirds use their
loud "bell" sound to attract females.
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Pacu
Pacus (Piaractus brachypomus) live in
the Orinoco and Amazon River basins. The large freshwater
fish is an important food fish in South America. It feeds
on insects and decaying plants.
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© Copyright 2002, The Dallas World Aquarium, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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