THE 10 INTERESTING RIVER ANIMALS AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS - BIOLOGY - 2025

Some of the most common river animals are the otter, the giant American salamander, the painted turtle, and the red-bellied piranha.

Among the species that live near rivers, there will always be animals that take advantage of the benefits that the river offers, so that aquatic, semi-aquatic and terrestrial animals can be observed surviving in the same habitat.

You may also be interested in this list of saltwater animals.

Among all the variety of river animals that can be presented, some have very interesting characteristics. Within the list below, you will find several of them.

Charapa arrau

The charapa arrau is a species of turtle that can weigh up to 45 kilograms. These species can be found in the vicinity of the Amazon River and the Orinoco River.

They have the same egg-laying habits as sea turtles.

Giant american salamander

This species of salamander receives its name due to its large size, which can be about 70 centimeters in length.

This salamander can be found in the United States in habitats near rivers in the west of the country.

Cynclids

Cynclids are a family of birds mistakenly called water blackbirds. This species is distributed internationally, however, it is not found in all parts of the world.

Its habitat is in places near mountain rivers.

Otter

This animal is a semi-aquatic mammal that can be found almost everywhere in the world, divided into different species, among which are the Eurasian and the American.

This animal can live on land, however, it feels more comfortable in the water.

Pink dolphin

The pink dolphin is one of the most emblematic species in South America, since it is the only species of dolphin with a pink color and it is found in the Amazon River.

However, this species is in danger of extinction.

Gharial

The gharial is a semiaquatic reptile that belongs to the order Crocodilia. It can be found in the North of India, inhabiting large rivers.

Currently this species is threatened by danger of extinction.

Painted turtle

The painted turtle is a species of tortoise in the genus Chrysemys. It is frequently seen in North America.

It is called a painted turtle because it has a coloring on its skin with patterns of clear lines, which give the feeling that it was painted.

Red-bellied piranha

This type of fish can be found in the rivers of South America. It is a threat to any species that crosses it.

This carnivore has sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to devour, little by little, any prey.

Trout

Trout are the river fish par excellence. There are many types of trout, many of which are fished by man.

Eel

Eels are a family of fish with only one genus, called Anguilla.

They are also recognized as river eels, however, this is a wrong way of calling them, because the eels can be marine or river eels.

References

1. "Wildlife - River Ecology" in: Friends of the Chicago River. Retrieved: November 26, 2017 from Chicago River: chicagoriver.org.
2. "Rivers and Streams Animals" (2006) in: Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved on: November 26, 2017 from MBG Net: mbgnet.net.
3. "Arrau River Turtle" (2006) in: Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved on: November 26, 2017 from MBG Net: mbgnet.net.
4. "River fish: Characteristics, names, edibles and much more" in: Let's talk about Fish. Retrieved on November 26, 2017 from Let's Talk About Fish: hablemosdepeces.com.
5. Vander, P. "Painted Turtle Care Sheet" in Reptiles. Retrieved on November 26, 2017 from Reptiles Magazine: reptilesmagazine.com.