Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum

Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes) > Siluriformes (Catfish) > Pimelodidae (Long-whiskered catfishes)

DISTRIBUTION: South America: Amazon and Orinoco basins.

HABITAT: Riverbeds, shady streams, flooded forest areas.

APPEARANCE: Elongated, streamlined body with long snout; large mouth with three pairs of long barbels. Black spots and stripes on body and fins in irregular pattern; the pattern is banded, thus the common name. Usually silver to brown above; white to silver below.  Can grow to 90 cm or more in captivity.

DIET: Nocturnal hunter; feeds on fish and crabs.

REPRODUCTION and DEVELOPMENT: Separate sexes, external fertilization. Does not guard eggs.

REMARKS: Venomous spines.

Prized as food and game fish, and often found in South American food markets. Flesh is succulent.

WORDPRESS SHORTLINK: http://wp.me/p1DZ4b-8W

LOCATION; Flooded Amazon Tunnel