Educational activities on the Safarujo river banks, Mafra. (2018) by Fatima GilAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Fish from Portuguese rivers are related to other fish from Europe, but most of them seem to have been isolated in the Iberian Peninsula for many millions of years.
For this reason, almost all freshwater fish species are endemic to the Iberian Peninsula.
Safarujo river (2017) by Paula MachazAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Unfortunately, the fish of Portuguese rivers and streams are currently in danger due to a set of factors such as pollution, habitat destruction, increasingly prolonged and frequent periods of drought and the introduction of invasive species.
Portuguese freshwater native fish (2021)Aquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
We now know that freshwater fish are the most endangered vertebrate group on the planet. About 60% of the native fish species in Portuguese rivers are threatened with extinction.
Boga portuguesa. Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum. (2016) by Fátima GilAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The Boga portuguesa Iberochondrostoma lusitanicum exists only in Sado river, in the lower part of the Tagus river basin and in small streams that flow into the sea north of Lisbon, up to the Lizandro river. This species is Critically Endangered.
Western Ruivaco. Achondrostoma occidentale. (2009) by Comandante Rocha TrindadeAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The Western ruivaco Achondrostoma occidentale only occurs in three small streams, between Mafra and Torres Vedras: Sizandro, Safarujo and Alcabrichel. This species is Endangered.
Iberian Loach. Cobitis paludica. (2021) by Paulo BeatoAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The Iberian loach Cobitis paludica is an endemic species to the Iberian Peninsula. Until recently it was used as live bait in the Largemouth black bass fishing.
It is currently an endangered species, and this practice is now prohibited.
Iberian Chub. Squalius pyrenaicus. (2009) by Comandante Rocha TrindadeAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The Iberian chub Squalius pyrenaicus is an Endangered species. Inhabits both rivers, where the dry season is particularly threatening, due to habitat loss and poor water quality.
Chameleon Cichlid. Australoheros facetus. (2009) by Comandante Rocha TrindadeAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
About 25 to 30% of the species that live in Portuguese fresh waters are non-native like the Chameleon cichlid Australoheros facetus.
The introduction of species is always a risk to the ecosystem's balance because they may become invasive.
Common carp. Cyprinus carpio. (2021) by Paulo BeatoAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Easily reproduced in captivity, the Common carp Cyprinus carpio was introduced worldwide, having a wide distribution in Europe.
Carps revolve the sediment to suck food, causing turbidity and degrading water conditions in the places where they have been introduced.
Western ruivaco (Achondrostoma occidentale) birth. (2019) by Fátima GilAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
The Vasco da Gama Aquarium collaborates with several research entities in conservation projects for freshwater endangered fish species.
Breeding fish for later release is a valuable contribution to the recovery of endangered native fish populations.
Educational activities on the Barcarena stream banks. by Maria PittaAquário Vasco da Gama, where the dive begins
Environmental education activities carried out with schools near the rivers and streams where fish are released challenge students and teachers to care for the rivers and their inhabitants.
It is time to return to our rivers and take care of their fish!
