The “Bytire”
The “Bytire” - as it is known in the Kayapo language, means the “River King”. They live in protected clear waters, ideal for anglers who want to target payara and other amazing jungle species with a range of techniques.
Composition
Xingu’s high species diversity (with more than 700 described fish species) can be attributed to the nutrients and food entering the river from the forest that exists along the river beds. This, combined with nutrients and minerals in the river support prolific plant growth, specifically plants that develop over the hard rocky beds (mainly Podostemaceae aquatic plants) constituted by basalt and granite ancient rocks, which form the Brazilian Shield. This plant family has more than 300 species distributed on the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania freshwater, constituted by rapids and waterfalls. This Neotropical Region holds more than 130 species. On the Xingu River, it is possible to find at least 33 different species of 9 different genus of Podostemaceae plants. Many fish explore the Podostemaceae resources together with algae and other small plants and animals that coat the rocky bed, constituting the “Auffwucks”.
Variety of habitats
The clearwater transmits sunlight to support Podostemaceae plant development, which further contributes to lower levels of the food chain. Several fish species eat these plants and are then consumed by other fish species higher up the food chain. The Xingu offers many different habitats for fish: meanders, pools, channels, lakes, lagoons, riffles, rapids and waterfalls. The consequence is unparalleled fish species diversity.
Clear Waters
The waters of the Xingu and Iriri are impressively clear because they drain ancient Brazilian shield granite, in contrast to most large Amazon rivers which are laden with sediment; e.g., the Madeira, Purus, Solimões and Amazon Rivers. The geological structure of the Xingu River Basin forms a high diversity of sub habitat that is used by more than 700 species of fish. Anglers can target various species using different techniques all in the same stretch of river.
If you want to read more about the travel, logistics, gear of this incredible experience, check out the travel planner.
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