Giant African land snail

Achatina reticulata

Spotted gar

Lepisosteus oculatus

Did you know?

• Spotted gar fish have existed for more than 100 million years. They have retained many characteristics of their prehistoric ancestors and are therefore often referred to as “living fossils.”
• Unlike most fish, gar have hard, diamond-shaped ganoid scales that interlock like armor. These scales are covered with an enamel-like layer and provide excellent protection against predators.
• Spotted gar possess a unique, highly vascularized swim bladder that functions similarly to a lung. This allows them to gulp air at the water’s surface in addition to breathing through their gills, enabling them to survive even in oxygen-poor waters.

Ocellate river stingray

Potamotrygon motoro

Did you know?

• At the base of its tail, the ocellate river stingray has a venomous barb, and injuries caused by it are extremely painful. If a ray hidden in the sand is accidentally stepped on, it may strike with its tail. In South America, accidents involving these animals occur every year.
• Unlike many fish species, the ocellate river stingray does not lay eggs. After a gestation period of about three to four months, the female gives birth to 1 to 12 fully developed pups.
• The ocellate river stingray can detect even the smallest electrical signals produced by its prey using specialized sensory organs.This allows it to locate food in murky water or even when it is hidden beneath the sand.
• Ocellate river stingray are remarkably intelligent and capable of learning. In aquariums, they can recognize their caretakers, adapt to regular feeding schedules, and actively explore their surroundings. Their curiosity and adaptability make them one of the most intelligent fish species commonly kept in aquariums.

Speckled piranha

Serrasalmus maculatus

Did you know?

• Speckled piranhas can generate a bite force that, relative to their body size, is among the strongest in the animal kingdom. Their razor-sharp teeth can effortlessly cut through flesh, scales, and even small bones.
• Young speckled piranhas are often silvery or speckled grey. As they mature, they gradually develop their characteristic dark to almost black coloration.
• Contrary to the popular myth of large, coordinated schools of piranhas hunting together, black piranhas often live in small groups or alone and aggressively defend their territory against other fish.
• Speckled piranhas can produce a variety of sounds, including grunts and clicking noises. These sounds are used for communication, such as warning rivals or defending their territory.
• Male speckled piranhas are often responsible for guarding the eggs and will aggressively defend their nest against intruders.