When fruit falls from trees overhanging the rivers of the Pantanal, the local fish spring into action. The piraputanga (Brycon hilarii) in the center of the photo is pictured snagging a wild fig in the Bonito region. As part of the Peixes de Bonito (Bonito Fish) project, biologist José Sabino studies the role these animals play in maintaining riparian forest ecosystems. In constant movement, they help disperse seeds along the river by eating at one point and defecating in another.
Image submitted by José Sabino, a professor at UNIDERP University
Republish