Amazonia Exhibit at National Zoo

[jonclark96]

I took my son down to the zoo today and we spent a lot of time in the Amazonia exhibit. It really is a nice exhibit and it looks like the cichlids they have in the big tanks have been busy making babies since the last time I was there.

Anyone know which species are in the tanks? I know the big tank with the arapima has a big colony of what I thought were dovii, but aren't they central american and not from the Amazon? The other tank has what look like red devils and/or midas, but again, aren't these species from farther north? Unfortunately, the species did not appear to be labeled that I noticed, only a short description of cichlids.

In any case, they really are beautiful displays, but I'd like to know a little more about what specifically are in the tanks.

Jon

 

[cmcpart0422]

Im pretty sure I saw some flowerhorns at that display and it makes me questions their accuracy. It was a really cool set up they got there non the less.

 

[Andrew]

The dovii and flowerhorns were tossed in by a less than scrupulous visitor. Since the zoo has a no kill policy, even on invaders, they haven't been able to get rid of them.

 

[Andrewtfw]

Honestly, with that being the case, I am surprised the exhibit is not full of people's large unwanted fish.

 

[dogofwar]

According to one of the volunteers there, they've been trying to figure out what to do for some time...every imagnable alternative has been proposed and discussed...

If squirrels invaded a rare bird exhibit they'd roust them... Not so easy with fish

anyone know if the new elephant area will have a water area that could be suitable?

Matt

 

[dogofwar]

Honestly, with that being the case, I am surprised the exhibit is not full of people's large unwanted fish.

according to the same volunteer it happens every now and again and they've foiled a couple attempts. People try to drop them in from above...

Matt

I recommended that they quit feeding the red tail cats and let nature take over...

 

[jonclark96]

Thanks for the info Matt. Are the fish in the tank indeed dovii and midas?

 

[Andrew]

Dovii, Midas and a few flowerhorns. The dovii are spectacular and I wish they could find a more appropriate display for them.

 

[mab]

They also have a better good idea as to who dumped some of those fish.