Barred sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum)

Scientific name: Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum Linnaeus, 1766

The Barred sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) is a freshwater fish of the family Pimelodidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 24–28°C (75–82°F). Native range: South America, Amazon, Corantijn, Essequibo, Orinoco and Paran? River basins.

Barred sorubim care at a glance

Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)

Biology

Occurs throughout the principal riverbeds and sometimes in the flooded areas of forests. Its biology is similar to that of P. tigrinum but it appears to be more fond of shady streams. Feeds at night on fish (loricariids, cichlids and characoids) as well as crabs. Confines its foraging activities to riverbeds. Its yellowish flesh is succulent and like that of other silurids, it is without bones. Females reach a more notable size. They become sexually mature at 56 cm, males at 45 cm. Fecundity is estimated at 8 million eggs per kg. Utilized for human consumption.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum
Family: Pimelodidae (Long-whiskered catfishes)
Order: Siluriformes (Catfish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 104
Depth range: 5 m (16 ft)
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 6.0 - 8.0; dH range: 4 - 30 demersal; potamodromous; depth range 5 - ? m
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Amazon, Corantijn, Essequibo, Orinoco and Paran? River basins.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: commercial; gamefish: yes; aquarium: public aquariums
Resilience: Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (K=0.31-0.47; tm=3-5; Tmax=8.7)