Orinoco
Major waterway winding through Colombian and Venezuelan rainforests and wetlands, with tea-colored waters and sandy, leaf-littered substrates.
Natural Habitat & Origin
Winding through the wild Llanos grasslands and dense tropical jungles of Colombia and Venezuela, the Orinoco River is a realm of dynamic contrasts. Its waters, often stained a deep, clear tea-color by the surrounding wetlands, flow over ancient riverbeds of fine white sand and vast plains of submerged grasses. This is a landscape shaped by the monsoon, where the river's reach expands and contracts with incredible force, carving out hidden lagoons and oxbow lakes.
Beneath the surface, the Orinoco environment is defined by its soft acidity and the intricate debris shed by the forest canopy. Thick layers of leaf litter provide a nutrient-rich foundation for aquatic life, creating a complex, three-dimensional world where light flickers through the tannin-rich water column. The river's edge is a tangle of gnarled wood and swaying stalks, offering a sheltered haven for a staggering diversity of species that have adapted to the Orinoco's unique and ever-shifting conditions.
Plants
The Orinoco's diverse flora includes hardy lilies and fast-growing stems that thrive in the nutrient-rich sediments of its seasonal floodplains.
Hardscape
Fine white sands, smooth river stones, and scattered leaf litter mirror the Orinoco’s natural bed and contribute to its iconic water chemistry.
Fish & Invertebrates
From the brilliant cardinal tetras to the reclusive Altum angels, Orinoco fish are masters of life in soft, warm, and highly acidic waters.