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10 Fascinating River Species of Africa

10 Fascinating River Species of Africa

1 of 10

 

crocodile
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Crocodiles are survivors that have been around for over 200 million years, outliving the dinosaurs and inhabiting the tropical waters of Africa.

hippopotamus
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One very large resident of the Serengeti River, the hippopotamus, might seem like a quiet animal, but in reality, it is considered dangerous and should be approached with caution.

otter
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The South African otter can live on land and water, feeding on fish, plankton, amphibians, birds, and other small mammals.

tigerfish
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Giant tigerfish are found in the African Congo River, have large, sharp teeth and are very predatory.

bull shark
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Watch out for the Zambezi River’s bull shark which can swim in warm, shallow waters and is known to be aggressive.

manatee
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Sometimes referred to as a seacow, the African manatee usually eats plants and is located in Western waters.

fish eagle
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African fish eagles are seen as well as heard when they are screaming right before a dive into the Chobe River for their next meal.

snakeheads
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Plenty of fish are sighted in African rivers and they include the snakeheads with long fins, a large mouth, gills for breathing, and shiny teeth.

clawed frog
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Given the name, xenopus, which translates to “strange foot,” an African clawed frog has a flattened head and body with no tongue or ears.

nile monitor
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The Nile monitor is an excellent swimmer with a muscular body, a set of sharp teeth, and quick legs for running on land when it is not swimming in a Central or South African river.