Brachyplatystoma filamentosum


Brachyplatystoma filamentosum, the piraíba or kumakuma, is a species of large catfish of the family Pimelodidae that is native to Amazon and Orinoco River basins and fluvials in Guianas and northeastern Brazil.

Distribution

It is a much widespread species that is found rivers and estuaries of Amazon and Orinoco watersheds, Guianas and northeastern Brazil.

Description

It grows to a length of 2800 mm. The largest Amazon Piraíba records 2 – 2.5 m weighing more than 150 kg.
Dorsum dark to light grey with small dark spots on caudal-fin or peduncle. Dorsal fin with pink shading. Caudal fin deeply-forked. Juveniles exhibit dark body spots or blotches.
It is entirely piscivorous preying on loricariids and other bottom-dwelling fish.

Ecology

It is found in both freshwater and brackish water systems. It is a demersal potamodromous fish commonly inhabits deeper, flowing channels with soft bottoms.

Uses

Though a massive species, Piraíba is considered as a game fish and commercial fish. Generally a harmless fish, it is known to be a obligate piscivore, however, stomach contents are said to include parts of monkeys.