The Colombian Amazon is a mosaic of biodiversity that amazes the world with the sheer number of species it harbors. In this corner of the planet, ornamental fish stand out as true living jewels that, beyond their beauty, play a central role in the local economy and the culture of riverine communities. Their responsible trade represents a sustainable alternative to the indiscriminate exploitation of Amazonian resources, while at the same time preserving ancestral traditions centered around fishing and knowledge of the river.
Four ornamental fish species found in the Colombian Amazon
The Amazon region of Colombia, especially in departments such as Amazonas, Vaupes, Guainia, and Putumayo, is home to more than 93 species of ornamental fish, many of them unique in the world. These animals are highly valued in international aquariums for their shapes, colors, and behaviors, which seem designed to mesmerize observers.
Silver arowana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)
The silver arowana is one of the most imposing and fascinating fish of the Colombian Amazon. Its elongated, streamlined body, which can exceed 1 meter in length, is covered with silvery scales that shimmer with bluish or violet hues, making it a true living jewel of the Amazonian rivers. Popularly known as the “monkey fish” due to its surprising ability to leap out of the water to catch insects, small birds, and even bats, this behavior — along with its long fins that give it elegant movements — has made it an admired species both in its natural environment and in specialized aquariums. However, only experienced aquarists can keep it due to its demanding care requirements.
In the Colombian Amazon, the silver arowana inhabits calm rivers and warm-water lagoons, especially in areas such as the Putumayo River. There, local communities have developed management plans to ensure its conservation, as this species has great cultural, economic, and ecological value. Its ornamental fishing, particularly at juvenile stages, has led to the establishment of closed seasons and community-based programs seeking a balance between commercial use and ecosystem protection. Leticia, the capital of the Amazon region, is one of the places where this majestic fish can be observed in its natural habitat — a symbol of Colombia’s rich aquatic heritage.
Blue discus (Symphysodon aequifasciatus)
The blue discus is considered one of the most precious jewels of the Colombian Amazon, not only because of its unique round, flat shape but also for its vibrant colors ranging from deep blues to greens and browns, adorned with vertical stripes and sometimes red spots on the abdomen. Reaching 15 to 20 centimeters in adulthood, this fish is known for its elegance and social behavior, typically living in groups with clear hierarchies. During reproduction, it displays a unique trait in the aquatic world: parents secrete a special skin mucus that nourishes their fry, a fascinating phenomenon that has drawn the attention of both biologists and aquarists.
In the Colombian Amazon, the blue discus lives in calm, shallow waters with submerged vegetation that provides shelter and food. It prefers warm temperatures, between 26 and 30 degrees Celsius, and slightly acidic waters, conditions found in Amazonian tributaries such as the Caqueta and Putumayo rivers. While in the wild it feeds on larvae, worms, aquatic insects, and small crustaceans, in captivity it requires specialized care and a protein-rich diet. For this reason, keeping it in aquariums is a challenge only taken on by experienced aquarists. In Colombia, it can be observed in areas near Leticia, where ornamental fishing and conservation programs aim to ensure that this Amazonian jewel continues to shine both in rivers and aquariums around the world.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus species, affectionately known as “Otos,” are small cleaner fish that, despite their modest size of just 2 to 6 centimeters, play a fundamental role in the ecosystems of the Colombian Amazon and in the aquarium hobby worldwide. Their elongated body, with a slightly flattened front and a sucker-shaped mouth, allows them to attach to surfaces and feed on algae, making them efficient aquatic “gardeners.” Their coloration, generally light brown with dark lateral lines or mottled patterns, provides perfect camouflage in their natural habitats. Peaceful, social, and highly active, they prefer living in groups, bringing balance to aquariums where they are highly valued for keeping glass and plants clean.
In the Colombian Amazon, otocinclus are found in small streams and rivers with calm waters, abundant vegetation, and shaded areas, especially in the Leticia region of the Amazonas department. They take refuge among roots, stones, and submerged plants such as vallisneria, which provide food and protection. Their reproduction is closely tied to the rainy season, when changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure trigger spawning. Eggs are deposited among roots and stones and hatch within a few days. In captivity, although highly appreciated, they require delicate care: well-oxygenated aquariums, stable parameters, and avoidance of salt treatments, as they are sensitive to sudden changes in water conditions.
Corydoras
Corydoras stand out for their peculiar appearance and important ecological function. Belonging to the Callichthyidae family, they lack scales and instead have two rows of bony plates along their sides, giving them an “armored” look. They usually measure between 5 and 7 centimeters and have a compact body with a flat belly and curved back, perfectly adapted to life near the riverbed. One of their most distinctive features is the sensory barbels around their mouth, which help them detect food while sifting through the substrate. They also possess the ability to breathe atmospheric air thanks to a specialized organ in their head, allowing them to survive in low-oxygen waters. Along with their adipose fin — similar to that of characids — these traits make corydoras highly appreciated both in nature and in aquariums.
In the Colombian Amazon, corydoras inhabit rivers, lagoons, swamps, and freshwater estuaries with well-oxygenated water, especially near Leticia and in tributaries such as the Caqueta and Putumayo rivers. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms with submerged vegetation, where they feed on organic debris, larvae, and small invertebrates, acting as efficient ecosystem cleaners. In the aquarium trade, they are equally valued, as they help keep tanks clean by consuming leftover food, though not waste as is sometimes mistakenly believed. Their reproduction is relatively simple: females deposit eggs on leaves or smooth surfaces without providing parental care, and in captivity, they can live for more than eight years.