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| Peixes de cobre (Brazilian Copperfish) | |
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The Brazilian Copperfish, also known as peixes de cobre, is a mild-mannered breed of fish which lives primarily in the area around Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro, one can expect to catch a plethora of famous Brazilian Copperfish. Many markets sell peixes de cobre and these fish are quite popular for traditional meals.
History
editThe Brazilian Copperfish has long been a vital part of Brazilian culture and cuisine. However, it was only formally recognized in the scientific community in the year 1936. American Biologist Michael Kurban[who?] and a team of nature enthusiasts came to Brazil to study animal life. The team heard stories of the "fish with copper gleam" that were often used for meals. Kurban and his associates explored the area around Rio de Janeiro and soon found themselves immersed in these fish. Kurban aptly christened them the Brazilian Copperfish, and thus the scientific nomenclature goes to his credit.
Description
editThe Brazilian Copperfish is a sleek and elegant cold-blooded aquatic vertebrate with an average size ranging from 56 centimeters to 66 centimeters. They usually appear to be the length of a human arm, as depicted in the figure below. Believe it or not, on October 11, 1956, a group of Brazilian fisherman captured a Copperfish measuring an astounding 126 centimeters! The fish are silver, with copper scales all over the sides of their body. This explains why they are called "the fish with copper gleam" and their discoverer, Michael Kurban, named them the "Brazilian Copperfish".
Copperfish in the Schools
editRecently, it has come to the attention of Brazilian school officials that though citizens of Rio de Janeiro appreciate their delectable traditional Brazilian Copperfish for the meals it provides, they lack sufficient knowledge about the fish as a species. Other fish such as the piranha garner more attention and students spend more time discovering the science behind this well-known species. Government officials in Rio have recently encouraged school districts to add this fish to their mandatory science curriculum and students as young as 6 years old are found memorizing the fish's scientific name.
Folklore
editThe Brazilian Copperfish has long been a focal point of Brazilian culture. As Kurban heard that fateful summer in 1936, the animal was known as the "fish with copper gleam" to local residents. As the Copperfish is a prime predator in Brazilian water, they can often be found congregating near weaker schools of fish. Hunters were often told to look for the "peixes de cobre" in order to find an easier catch: the copperfish's prey. If one was lucky, they would get a Brazilian Copperfish, the pinnacle of delicacy. However, they were almost always guaranteed to get their fill from the weaker schools. Thus the copperfish gained a reputation as a great provider for Brazilians, and this respect has been passed down for generations. Through its sleek speed mixed with elegant copper flair, the Brazilian Copperfish has become an animal of great national pride