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The Peruvian Amazon is a globally significant ecological and cultural treasure, covering over 60% of Peru's land area and forming a key part of the vast Amazon rainforest. This region harbors an extraordinary diversity of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to the area and yet to be discovered, making it a critical hotspot for biodiversity conservation. Its dense forests serve as one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, playing an essential role in regulating the Earth's climate and combating global warming. The Peruvian Amazon is also home to numerous indigenous communities whose deep knowledge of the rainforest's ecosystems is invaluable for sustainable conservation efforts. Economically, the region supports local livelihoods through activities such as timber harvesting and the ornamental fish trade, which require careful balance with environmental preservation.

 

Our work is dedicated to conserving fish species in the Peruvian Amazon through research, population assessments, and the development of strategies to protect and enhance these vital aquatic communities. Protecting the health of the Amazon is crucial not only for Peru but for the entire planet.

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Research Facilities

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ARCOF is a research facility designed to support scientists worldwide who are interested in studying ecology and conservation of fishes. The facility offers various resources, including:

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  • Experimental Ponds and Indoor Raceways: These are likely used for controlled research on fish populations, behaviors, and environmental interactions.

  • Aquaria for Laboratory Trials: Essential for experiments that require precise control of aquatic conditions.

  • Instrument Lab: Equipped with basic laboratory tools to support scientific experiments and research during the scientists' stay.

  • Modern Dormitories: Accommodation for researchers, with amenities such as a kitchen, dining room, and laundry facilities, making it a comfortable and convenient environment for longer stays.

 

Our research center offers a comprehensive setup that combines field and laboratory settings with comfortable living accommodations for visiting scientists. This well-rounded facility is designed to support in-depth ecological research in fisheries, providing a unique opportunity for hands-on studies in the Amazon.

 

For more information on reserving time and space at the research center, please contact Dr. Anthony Mazeroll.

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Research Projects & Publications

 

Research Projects Conducted at ARCOF​

  • The impacts of non-native Gouramis on native fishes in Iquitos.

  • The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect invasive and rare and endangered species.

  • Competition between guppies and killifish in the Peruvian Amazon.

  • Poison glands in Corydoras spp.

  • Differential uptake of nutrients by emergent plants in aquaculture effluent water.

  • Dietary requirements of ornamental fish species.

  • Reproduction of ornamental fish of species.

  • Intensive production of protozoan infusoria for food of post-larval ornamental fish.

  • Use of natural products in the treatment of diseases of ornament fish species

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Publications

  • Nakajima R, Rimachi EV, Santos-Silva EN, Calixto LSF, Leite RG, Khen A, Yamane T, Mazeroll AI, Inuma JC, Utumi EYK, Tanaka A. (2017) The density and biomass of mesozooplankton and ichthyoplankton in the Negro and the Amazon Rivers during the rainy season: the ecological importance of the confluence boundary. PeerJ 5:e3308 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3308

  • Ramos-EF, Guardia-C C, and Serrano-M E. 2017. Histopatholgical study in wild freshwater stingrays Potamotrygon motoro in the Peruvian Amazon. Comparative Clinical Pathology 1:1-5.

  • Ramos-EF, Sandoval-C N, Morales-C S, Contreras-S G, Manchego-S A. 2016. Lesiones Histopatológicas y Aislamiento Bacteriológico en Gamitanas (Colossoma macropomum) Aparentemente Sanas. Rev. investig. vet. Perú 27:188-195.

  • Babilonia Medina J, Flores Ancajina M, Chuquipiondo Guardia C. 2014. Reproducción inducida del sábalo cola roja Brycon cephalus (Günther, 1869). Amazonía peruana: Iquitos. Informe 41:1-4.

  • de Chambrier A, Scholz T, Kuchta R, Posel P, Mortenthaler M, and Chuquipiondo Guardia C. 2008. Tapeworms (Cestoda: Proteocephalidea) of Fishes from the Amazon River in Peru. Comparative Parasitology 73(1):111-120.

  • Mazeroll, AI  and Weiss M. The state of confusion in Discus taxonomy. in, The Cichlids Yearbook 5. ed. Ad Konings. pp.77-83. Cichlid Press. Germany. (Published in English, German, Swedish, French, and Dutch).

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