Catfish of the genus Brachyplatystoma are among the most important and sought-after food fish in the Amazon and Orinoco basins, as well as in the Guyana region. They can reach lengths of up to 360 cm and weigh over 200 kg. Many thousands of metric tons of these catfish are landed annually as food fish, which has led locally to declining populations and calls for sustainable management. Details regarding the biology of many of these species remain very incomplete.
Only a few years ago was a new species of these Goliath catfish described—one that had been known for a very long time but had always been confused with other species: Brachyplatystoma capapretum. This study distinguishes a total of 7 Brachyplatystoma species. An important identifying characteristic for aquarists: only Brachyplatystoma species have caudal fin filaments as juveniles that extend up to the length of their bodies and are formed from a single fin ray. For this reason, among others, the tiger catfish is now classified in the genus Brachyplatystoma (formerly known as Merodontotus tigrinum, now B. tigrinum), and the former Goslinea platynemum is now called Brachyplatystoma platynemum.
Brachyplatystoma
Brachyplatystoma
Brachyplatystoma
One of the most sought-after species among predatory catfish enthusiasts is Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii, even if they often don’t realize it. This is because the realization that the name B. flavicans—which has been in use for decades—is incorrect (it is actually a synonym for Zungaro zungaro) is only slowly gaining acceptance. And these B. flavicans/rousseauxii possess characteristics that are highly prized by predatory fish enthusiasts—and, of course, by visitors to public aquariums and zoos, where most of the live imported fish end up: they grow truly enormous, have a genuine predatory nature, and a distinct personality!
In the wild, Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii—found in Bolivia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela—is among the species with the longest spawning migrations of all. From the larval stage to a sexually mature fish (starting at about 65 cm in length) and back to the spawning grounds, the species travels up to 11,600 km!
We have once again been able to import several juveniles of these giant catfish—which can grow up to 2 m in length—from Colombia, and they are sure to delight owners of giant aquariums soon.
For our customers: we list these fish under code numbers 211100 (4–6 cm) through 211106 (20–25 cm) on our stock list. Please note that we supply exclusively to wholesalers.
Literature: Lundberg, J. G. & A. Akama (2005): Brachyplatystoma capapretum: a New Species of Goliath Catfish from the Amazon Basin, with a Reclassification of Allied Catfishes (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae). Copeia 2005 (3): 492-516
Text: Frank Schäfer, Photos: Erwin Schraml & Frank Schäfer
