Freshwater fish in the Aquarium

From fish that can jump out of water and pluck fruit from trees, to those that have evolved to no longer need eyes. We have some incredible freshwater fish species in our brand new Aquarium at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.

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Males perform fluttering displays to impress females and sometimes fight for the best feeding spots by pushing their bellies together. Conservation Status: Vulnerable. These fish can produce and sense electric impulses to locate food and communicate with each other. Conservation Status: Not Evaluated. The two horn-like structures on their head are actually nostril flaps! Conservation Status: Least Concern. Crunch! These fish have special teeth that can crack through snail shells. Conservation Status: Critically Endangered. These fish are called ‘headstanders’ because they swim face down with their tails pointing upwards. Conservation Status: Not Evaluated. In caves this species is pale with no eyes but above ground this fish looks normal and can see! Conservation Status: Least Concern. These fish are named after a ZSL Whipsnade Zoo volunteer. They live their whole lives in a single year and become adults in just 17 days! Conservation Status: Not Evaluated. These fruit-loving fish can leap out of the water to pluck low-hanging fruit and seeds directly from trees. Conservation Status: Not Evaluated. Venomous barbs on their tails help in self-defence and holes behind their eyes are used for breathing. Conservation Status: Data deficient.