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Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Text / Picture Angler Original

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > preface:</h1>

The Congo River is the second largest river in Africa and is home to the second largest tropical rainforest in the world. It is known as the "African Water Corridor", "The Jewel of Central Africa" and "The Lung of Africa". Why has a river with such a reputation become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? It not only isolates the species exchange between the north and the south animals, but also isolates the genetic exchange of some fish. The unique 3-section river landscape of the Congo River has spawned a unique ecosystem and unique fish species.

< h1 class = "pgc-h-arrow-right" > Why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? </h1>

Joseph. In His book Heart of Black, Conrad refers to the rainforests of the Congo River and its watersheds as centers of darkness. Stories of jungle dwarves, mysterious lake monsters, cruel cannibals and terrifying plagues are circulated.

The vast rainforest of the Congo River is the size of the entire european region, and some places are inaccessible. In this rainforest, there is an arc-shaped channel of the main channel of the Congo River, which blocks the communication of animals. Chimpanzees, for example, originally belonged to the same population, but because of the isolation of the river, a small bonobo evolved south of the river. How did the river isolate the north-south migration route of animals on the African continent?

There are many factors that hinder the migration of land animals, such as insurmountable mountains, brackish and fresh water junctions, and hot and cold temperature differences. In terms of geography, a river can make it impossible for land animals on both sides of the river to travel, even the fish in the water cannot swim freely throughout the basin, and only the Congo River in the world can do it, becoming a large barrier to animal geography. First, let's take a look at where the well-known African animal migration occurred and whether it has anything to do with the Congo River.

This is a spectacular scene of the annual Great Migration of East African animals, a dusty, shady, and dangerous migration journey. The animals are just the little water weeds that fill their stomachs.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Great migration of highland animals in East Africa

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

East African highland migration takes place between point A (Tanzania) and point B (Kenya). Because it is near the equator, the rain belt moves back and forth from north to south, like a street sprinkler, sprinkling this side and then sprinkling the opposite street. Tanzania's rains stopped in March, the animals ran out of grass in May, and it was raining in the north, so they had to migrate to the north. Why don't the animals go to graze north of the Congo River? From the map, we can see that between points A and B is a relatively independent East African plateau, located between moving rain bands, and this migration occurs only in central Africa.

When the rainy season south of the equator coincides with the dry season, if the animals of northern Africa want to migrate to the south of the equator, the Mibathong Mountains cannot be passed, and the Congo River should not be a problem, theoretically there is no problem. But it is this river that has become an insurmountable obstacle for animals.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

The Congo River has become a geographical barrier for the migration of animals from the north and south of the land

How does the Congo River do it? The mystery lies in the depth, width and flow rate of the river.

For animals, although the narrow part of the Congo River is only a few hundred meters wide, but the flow rate reaches 50 km / h, the lower river is washed away, so how about choosing the middle reaches of the river with a slower flow rate? The middle reaches of the river are 10-20 km wide and cannot swim. Moreover, there are crocodiles and giant tiger fish waiting in the water, and for animals, the Congo River is an insoluble existence. What about fish? It is also inevitable that the two waterfalls in the upper and lower reaches of the Congo River are insurmountable obstacles for fish. Not only that, but the rapids are like high-pressure water pipes sealing the downstream fish in small areas to close the "little black house". There is only one fish that can ignore the existence of the rapids, and it is the "demon" of the Congo River, the giant water goby, which can be called a BUG-like existence among the aquatic life of the Congo River.

< h1 class ="pgc-h-arrow-right" > the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River produces a unique ecosystem</h1>

After clarifying the reason why the Congo River can prevent the migration of animals on land, let's talk about the river's ecosystem and the ecological impact on fish. To sum up, everything is caused by the 3-section river landform.

Let's take a look at the differences between the three major rainforest ecosystems around the world. Then come and learn what makes the Congo River ecosystem special.

1. Ecological differences between the three major tropical rainforests

The three tropical rainforests of the Congo River, the Masun River and the Mekong River are all places that have been "kissed" by God and are the most biodiverse places in the world. However, there are different advantages in the ecological composition. Maintaining biodiversity is sufficient as long as there are abundant water resources, such as China's Xishuangbanna and Metuo regions. But if you want the aquatic life in the river to be rich and diverse, you must meet the following three points: abundant water resources; topographic and geomorphological structures that retain water resources for a long time; and rich areas with nutrient conversion.

(1) Abundant water resources: The three rainforest areas are all in the tropics, with abundant rainfall, and it is strange that 80% of the precipitation in the Congo River comes from the clouds generated by the evaporation of the rainforest itself. The Amazon and the Mekong rivers are rainstorms produced by warm wet monsoons encountering towering mountain systems.

(2) Topographic and geomorphological structure: The Amazon River and the Congo River belong to the alpine plateau on all sides, with an open basin structure on one side, and the Mekong River does not have a basin structure of three deficiencies, but there is a super large lake used to store water - Tonle Sap Lake, with a Kongen Waterfall. There are two waterfalls in the Congo River, and at the end of the middle reaches there is a large invisible reservoir - Lake Malebo, which is a deep-pond lake, 500 meters above sea level than the mouth of the sea, like a super pressurized "water tower".

(3) Nutrient-rich areas: During the rainy season of the Amazon River, the river floods the river embankment by 2 meters, flooding a large number of jungle areas, resulting in an intertwined river network. The Mekong has the Tonle Sap Lake and the Estuary Delta, both of which convert organic matter into fish food. The estuary of the Congo River is very rapid, the seabed is falling sharply, and it is impossible to form an estuarine delta, but Lake Malebo is like a reservoir, creating a lot of swampy river networks around it, forming nutrient-rich areas.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

The swamps and networks of the middle reaches of the Congo River | Downstream waterfall rapids section

Summary: Whether an area is rich in biodiversity, it only needs to have sufficient rainfall and suitable climatic zones. But at the same time, to ensure that the fish in this area are also rich in diversity, three conditions must be met: there is an abundance of water resources, there is a topographic structure that can retain water resources for a long time, and there are rich areas that can provide food for fish. Therefore, the flora and fauna of China's Metuo and Xishuangbanna regions are rich and diverse, but the types of fish are very small, which is caused by this reason.

2. The unique 3-section river ecosystem and characteristics of the Congo River

The Congo River is divided into three sections, each of which is very distinctive. The upper reaches are multi-lake swamps, confluences, shoals and waterfalls; the middle reaches of the river network are dense, the most concentrated section of the river, the widest part of the river surface is more than 20 kilometers, the middle reaches of the whole river can be navigable; the lower reaches of the Congo River are turbulent, with a flow rate of 50 kilometers per hour and a maximum depth of more than 230 meters, washing out a river trough on the Atlantic continental shelf, without an estuarine sedimentary delta.

The biggest difference between the Congo River and other rivers is that it has two waterfalls: Boyoma Falls and Livingstone Falls, which divide the entire river into 3 sections. The Bojoma Falls are the dividing point between the upper and middle reaches. The Livingstone Falls group is located downstream, with the end of the middle reaches being Lake Malebo, located near Kinshasa. Two waterfalls affect transportation, with only the 1,600 km of main channel in the middle reaches navigating. The railway line on the Congo River is section by section.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Schematic diagram of the Congo River ecosystem

The uniqueness of the congo river ecosystem

Crossing the equator twice, through the pristine rainforest of the Congo Basin, ensuring abundant water. The rainy and dry seasons alternate north-south movements on both sides of the equator so that the Congo River can maintain sufficient water resources throughout the year. The Amazon River and the Mekong River cannot do it, and there are obvious changes in water level during the rainy and dry seasons.

Two waterfalls (Boyoma Falls and Livingstone Falls) divide the Congo River into three sections: upstream, middle and downstream. The vast majority of fish cannot overcome the waterfalls and swim through the basin.

At the end of the middle reaches, there is a funnel-shaped giant invisible reservoir - Malabo Lake, the river cuts through the Jingshan Mountains, and the lake mouth shrinks from 20 kilometers to only 200 meters wide, like a pressurized water pipe gushing downstream, forming a river section of the Livingstone Falls Group with a drop of more than 200 meters and a length of 350 kilometers, 32 waterfalls.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Lake Malebo

Gentle and sharp river flow rates. Starting from the Dangatan Plateau as the upper reaches, called the Luapura River, the river slowly crosses between the plateaus and comes to the lake swamp; then through the valley of the Mitumba Mountains, into the rain forest that shades the sky, the Congo River reveals its magnificent face, the bottom of the river is 200 meters deep, the calm river surface undercurrent surges; after passing out of the canyon, the water flow is stable, and there are more than 4,000 islands of different sizes in the channel; when approaching the vicinity of Kisangani, the water flow becomes sharper, one up to 96 kilometers long, composed of 7 waterfalls. The Bojoma waterfalls with a drop of 61 meters are displayed in front of people's eyes, which is also the traditional fishing river section of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC); the river is called the Congo River from Kisangani, officially entering the middle reaches of the region, there are a large number of tributaries on the left and right banks, the middle reaches of the river are very open, the river surface is 20 kilometers wide, and the flow rate is stable; when approaching Malebo Lake (Kinshasa), there are 32 kilometers of river water that is almost stationary; the river flows out of Lake Malebo into the downstream area, from Lake Malebo to Matadi This section is 350 kilometers long. The drop is more than 200 meters, which is composed of 32 large waterfalls in the Livingstone Falls group, the water flow reaches 50 kilometers per hour; the water flow from Matadi to the estuary becomes slower, the river surface becomes wider, and the water depth is about 40 meters; this is not the end, the most peculiar thing is that the Congo River actually rushed into the Atlantic seabed, the water flow became extremely fast, the depth is close to 300 meters, and the 70 kilometers deep range of the estuary to the Atlantic Ocean is actually fresh water, which cannot form an alluvial plain of the estuarine delta.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Schematic diagram of the speed of the Congo River

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

People fishing under The Boyoma Falls

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Livingstone Falls

Congo rainforests are home to a large number of flora and fauna. Such as jungle elephants, chimpanzees, red river pigs, forest buffalo, antelopes, golden cats, etc., this is a very distinctive mountain fish (ghost baboon), a ghost face.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

mandrill

< h1 class = "pgc-h-arrow-right" > the river landscape of the third section of the Congo River has bred unique fish</h1>

There are 686 known species of fish in the Congo River, and new species are constantly being discovered, with ichthyologists estimating more than 1,000 species, of which 80 percent are endemic. More than 230 species of fish live in the middle reaches of Lake Malebo, and it is possible to discover a new species at almost every location in the river. Because of the geographical environment and topography, the fish here cannot swim around in the entire water system. Because the water is fast, there are rocks everywhere, and if you don't get it right, you will be hit by the rapids and fall to your death. Downstream because of the rapids, fish evolution is more pronounced, and many are endemic species.

1. Middle and upper reaches environment and fish

The amount of water in the middle reaches of the Congo River reaches its maximum, and sufficient water quantity ensures the formation of tropical rainforests, swamps and meadows. Electric catfish, lungfish and a variety of small fish prefer to live in streams and swamps.

In order to adapt to the environment, these fish have developed special skills, such as some like to live in the crevices of the riverbank, the puddles on the side of the rapids, and use rocks to block the impact of the current. In order to avoid predators, young catfish, galactic fish, and elephant trunk fish hide in the aquatic hyacinth aquatic grass on the riverbank, which can avoid predators and eat the larvae of insects in aquatic grass. Some prefer to hide under trees or sunken trees that fall into the river. Lungfish evolved to adapt to the hypoxic environment of the marshlands. Some small fish use eye-catching decors to gather together to interfere with predators' sights. Here are some of the most representative fish species in the upper middle and upper middle ages.

(1) Barramundi (Nile perch)

Domestic known as blind cobia, is a fish species that Luya enthusiasts like to fish, native to the African Nile River Basin, the body length can reach 2 meters, similar to the shape of the perch, but the mouth is larger, the tail is fan-shaped, the snout is pointed and prominent, it is a fierce predatory fish, feeding on herring, eels, crustaceans, and even feeding on the same kind, which is a major harm to the fish farming industry and invading rivers.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Barramundi

(2) Congolese polyfin fish

Known as the Golden Dinosaur King in the domestic aquarium community, it is a living fossil of fish, very ancient and primitive.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Multifin fish | Dinosaur King

(3) African lungfish

Also known as Douz lungfish, and Australian lungfish, South American lungfish constitute the three major distribution points of global lungfish, lungfish exist for more than 400 million years, known as living fossils. Lungfish prefer to live in swamps, the mucus on the body allows it to breathe oxygen in the air, the lungfish's swim bladder has a respiratory function similar to human lungs, compared to the arapaima surfaced to swallow air, the lungfish can survive completely without water. Its swim bladder is distributed with a large number of vascular networks and spiral flaps, the bladder tube communicates with the esophagus, and when it leaves the water, it breathes oxygen and expels carbon dioxide.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

African lungfish

Unfortunately, even though the lungfish has evolved so well and adapted so well, it has become food for a stupid bird in the Congolese rainforest. The whale-headed stork is a natural enemy of lungfish, and this clumsy bird is known as the "erha" among birds. Frogs, snakes, lungfish, and even baby crocodiles are its food.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Lungfish's natural enemy: the whale-headed stork

(4) Filament heterojourn gill

This is a large catfish that inhabits the middle reaches of the Congo River. There are 4 pairs of tentacles with adipose fins. The back of the body is dark in color and the abdomen is light in color. It feeds on fish and small vertebrates, and sometimes sneaks around villages to look for animal carcasses to eat. But even such a powerful predator can not avoid becoming the delicacy of animals.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Filament heterojourn gill

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Leopards hunt filament gill

(5) Weevilfish

The weevil is a very typical species in the Congo River, mainly distributed in the middle and upper reaches, prefer to live in streams and swamps, with a protruding jaw, resembling the long nose of an elephant, hence the name weevilfish. About 20 to 50 cm long, it has a bioelectronic pulse system at the tail that can locate the position of prey in swamp silt like radar, scanning the shape and color of prey and obstacles. The long nose is used to dig up the silt to find food.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Weevil fish

(6) Inverted Hanging Mouse (Anti-Swimming Cat)

This is what the domestic ornamental fish industry calls anti-swimming cats, big eyes, and mouse mouths. It belongs to one of the catfish, the most special thing is that it can swim upside down in the water, there are many types of anti-swimming cats, and the following one is called the upside-down hanging rat.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Anti-swim cat

(7) High-backed mullet

The name of the Aquarian is Ken Malong Golden Bullhead. Catfish, family Asteraceae, a species in the genus High-backed catfish. It is distributed in the middle reaches of the Congo River in Africa, Cameroon, Gabon and other regions. Prefers to hide in the obstacles under the water, omnivorous, prefer weak acidic water quality, weak light environment.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

High-backed crucian

(8) Electric catfish

Also known as electric cat. Produced in the Congo River, it likes to hide in swamp silt, fierce, afraid of light, and likes to be nocturnal. It is generally about 50 cm long, with a chubby body, like a large loach. It is not a good kind, like the electric eels of the Amazon River, it can discharge. When stimulated, an electric current of 200 to 450 volts is released instantaneously. It is known as "high-voltage electricity in water".

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Electric catfish | Electric cat

(9) West African bream

The aquatic tribe is called the red-bellied phoenix, and it lives in the clear streams and puddles of the Congo River jungle. Mild temperament, strong environmental adaptability, like to dig holes in the gravel layer to hide, is a cave-dwelling benthic fish.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Red-bellied phoenix

In addition, some rivers and streams in the middle reaches of the Congo River are inhabited by many colorful small fish, such as cichlid, Galasimine fish, and Xibo catfish (African glass cat).

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Other ornamental fish in the Congo River

Congo Flag

A representative species of the African genus Galasin, the male has a relatively developed tail fin center, irregular shape, and prefers to swim in groups. The color is similar to the south American lamp fish and China's tang fish, carp and so on.

Six short noses

It belongs to a large Galasim fish, the advantage is that it has a long lifespan, and it can live for more than 20 years, and the disadvantage is that it has a strong territorial concept, and the same species will fight when it is raised together.

ruby

Also known as safflower perch, gemfish. It is widely distributed in the Congo River, Nile River and other river basins. Brilliant in color, with white diamonds set on a red background, it can be polycultured with fish of the same size.

2. Downstream environment and fish

The lower reaches of the Congo River are 350 kilometres long and have a drop of more than 280 metres, where rapids and whirlpools isolate fish gene exchanges, resulting in more than 300 species endemic to the Congo River. Many fish have evolved unique abilities to adapt to rapids and deep-water environments.

Downstream is the most evolved section of the Congo River fish, each distributed in a specific area, this high density of fish distribution is very rare in the world's rivers. The key factor is that the lower Congo River has a very unique hydrological feature of the world's rivers, with rapids and whirlpools. Here are some representative fish species downstream.

(1) The fierce freshwater fish that can swim throughout the basin as if the rapids are nothing, the African giant water goby

Also known as the raptor, there are two kinds of golden raptor and platinum raptor. The Platinum Raptor is smaller. The Golden Raptor can reach 2 meters individually. The raptor is the fiercest predator in the Congo River and is the overlord of freshwater fish.

It has great white shark-like teeth with pointed tapered teeth and two sets of ligaments in its mouth that maximize opening and an amazing bite force. Usually feeds on fish, attacks animals when hungry, and also attacks humans, and can bite a piece of meat from crocodiles in one bite. The body of the raptor is fusiform, muscular, and the tail is split, like the tail of a whale, which can provide strong driving force, and can cross the rapids and fly over the waterfall like a salmon. It is the only fish that ignores the rapids of the Congo River and wanders around the entire river.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Congo River giant water goby

(2) Fish that evolved suction cups to effectively resist riptide

In order to effectively combat the effects of rapids, fish in the lower Congo River have evolved suction cup-like beaks, such as sucker-lip mullet and striped carp. Some fish in China's Lancang River only have some simple suction cups in the abdomen, which also proves the turbulence of the lower reaches of the Congo River. The striped carp has now invaded some of the rivers in the south of the country.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Striped carp

(3) Blind fish adapted to the bottom of the deep-water and lightless river - Congolese blind loach

This is one of the most peculiar of more than 80 species of loach in the world, the Congolese blind loach lives on the dark river bottom of the lower Congo River, the eyes gradually degenerate, the body pigment gradually disappears, and the formation of a white translucent body color. Similar to China's cave plateau loach and gold wire catfish and other blind fish. If this fish is washed to the surface by the rapids, it will suffer from diving disease like a diver, and its body will die full of bubbles.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Congolese blind loach

(4) Fish that use camouflage

Downstream, the species are very docile and do not attack other fish, but use camouflage to protect themselves. Let's see that on the left is a very docile Galasim fish, disguised as a fierce platinum raptor on the right, which can only be distinguished by a closer look at the teeth in the mouth.

Congo River: Africa's biogeographic barrier, 3 sections of river landforms have bred a unique fish preface: First, why has the Congo River become the largest biogeographic barrier on the African continent? Second, the river landform of the 3rd section of the Congo River has produced a unique ecosystem Third, the river landscape of the 3rd section of the Congo River has bred a unique fish conclusion:

Camouflage of downstream Galasim fish

<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" > concluding remarks:</h1>

The Congo River Basin is rich in precious timber and various animals, and due to the long-term excessive logging and poaching of human beings, the huge treasure house of green resources in the Congo River Basin is now shrinking day by day. Fortunately, the Inga Reservoir built downstream is not located in the main channel, otherwise the Livingstone Falls will cease to exist and the fish in the lower Congo River will face extinction.

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