Rock-Bacu - (Lithodoras dorsalis)

🐟 Rock-Bacu – (Lithodoras dorsalis) – Massive South American Catfish for Sale

The Rock-Bacu (Lithodoras dorsalis) is a large, heavily armored catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco River basins. Known for its rock-like bony plates, powerful build, and impressive size, this species is an absolute giant that can live for decades when properly cared for.

In the wild, it inhabits slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and flooded forests, often feeding on fruits, seeds, and plant matter that fall into the water. Due to its size and space needs, it is best suited only for massive home aquariums or public display tanks.

🔎 Quick Facts – Rock-Bacu (Lithodoras dorsalis)

• 📛 Common Name: Rock-Bacu, Bacu, Dora
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Lithodoras dorsalis
• 🌍 Origin: Amazon and Orinoco River basins – Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru
• 🎨 Appearance: Dark, armored body with thick bony scutes and powerful tail
• 📏 Max Size: 36 inches (90 cm) or more
• 💎 Rarity: Occasionally available; mostly wild-caught

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• 🐟 Generally peaceful despite size
• 🪵 Compatible with other large, robust species
• ⚠️ Not safe with small fish that can be swallowed
• 👫 Best kept singly or in large groups only in enormous enclosures

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 500+ gallons for a single adult
• 🪵 Sandy or smooth gravel substrate with large driftwood and open swimming areas
• 🌊 Moderate flow with extremely strong filtration due to heavy waste output
• 💡 Moderate lighting
• 🌿 Can be kept with hardy plants or in open, natural river setups

💧 Water Parameters – Rock-Bacu Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.0–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous with Herbivorous Tendencies

• 🌿 Fruits, seeds, and blanched vegetables
• 🌾 High-quality sinking pellets and algae wafers
• 🦐 Occasional protein foods such as shrimp or earthworms
• 🪵 May consume detritus and leaf litter in natural setups

📋 Rock-Bacu Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Rock-Bacu is a true South American river giant—heavily armored, long-lived, and impressive in size. Only suitable for extremely large aquariums, it’s a species for serious collectors or public displays.