Life Beneath the Surface
Amsterdam's canals aren't just beautiful waterways – they're home to a surprisingly diverse ecosystem. Despite being urban waterways, these historic canals support various fish species, aquatic plants, and other marine life that have adapted to city living.
🐟 Fish Species in the Canals
Pike (Snoek)
The apex predator of Amsterdam's canals. These large fish can grow up to 1 meter long and are surprisingly common in the deeper sections of the waterways.
Perch (Baars)
Easily recognizable by their striped pattern, perch are abundant in the canals and are popular among local anglers fishing from canal-side spots.
Carp (Karper)
These bottom-feeders thrive in the canal environment. Some carp in Amsterdam's waters are quite large, having lived in the canals for many years.
Eel (Paling)
European eels make incredible journeys from the Sargasso Sea to Amsterdam's canals. They can live for decades in these urban waters.
🌿 Canal Ecosystem
The canal ecosystem is more complex than it appears. Water plants provide oxygen and shelter for fish, while ducks, coots, and swans contribute to the food chain. The water quality has improved significantly over the past decades, allowing more species to thrive.
🌍 Conservation Efforts
Amsterdam actively works to maintain and improve the health of its canal ecosystems. From water quality monitoring to fish population studies, the city ensures that these historic waterways remain vibrant habitats for aquatic life while serving their role as UNESCO World Heritage sites.