Dorado Catfish/Gilded Catfish - (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii)

🐟 Dorado Catfish / Gilded Catfish (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii)

One of the largest and most impressive catfish species of the Amazon Basin, the Dorado Catfish, also known as the Gilded Catfish, is famed for its striking golden coloration and powerful swimming abilities. It’s best suited for very large, specialized aquariums.

🔍 Quick Facts

• 🆔 Common Names: Dorado Catfish, Gilded Catfish
• 🧬 Scientific Name: Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii
• 🧬 Family: Pimelodidae (Long-whiskered Catfish)
• 🌎 Origin: Amazon Basin, South America
• 📏 Max Size: Up to 1.8 meters (6 feet)

🕊️ Behavior & Temperament

• ⚡ Large and powerful predator
• 🏠 Territorial but generally not aggressive unless provoked
• 🐠 Requires vast swimming space and robust tankmates

🏡 Tank Requirements

• 🛁 Minimum Tank Size: 1000+ gallons for juveniles, much larger for adults
• 🪨 Provide open swimming areas and strong filtration
• 🏖️ Soft substrate recommended
• 💨 Moderate water flow, high oxygenation

Water Parameters:

• 🌡️ Temperature: 74–82°F (23–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Soft to moderately hard water

📊 Overview Table

📝 Snippet

The Dorado Catfish (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii), also called the Gilded Catfish, is a massive and powerful Amazon predator. It requires enormous tanks and strong filtration, making it suitable only for expert aquarists and public exhibits.