Sailfin Marbled Catfish - (Leiarius pictus)

🐟 Sailfin Marbled Catfish – (Leiarius pictus) – Large South American Catfish for Sale

The Sailfin Marbled Catfish (Leiarius pictus) is a large, beautifully patterned predatory catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco River basins in South America. Recognized for its elongated body, striking marbled markings, and tall dorsal fin, this species is both a powerful swimmer and an active nighttime predator.

Due to its large adult size and appetite, it is best suited for very large aquariums or tropical ponds with equally large tankmates.

🔎 Quick Facts – Sailfin Marbled Catfish (Leiarius pictus)

• 📛 Common Name: Sailfin Marbled Catfish, Marbled Antenna Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Leiarius pictus
• 🌍 Origin: Amazon & Orinoco River Basins – South America
• 🎨 Appearance: Dark brown to black body covered in irregular light marbling; tall sail-like dorsal fin; long barbels
• 📏 Max Size: 24–28 inches (60–70 cm)
• 💎 Rarity: Occasionally available in the aquarium trade; usually wild-caught

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚠️ Predatory – will eat any fish small enough to swallow
• 🐟 Best with other large, fast, and robust species
• 🌙 Primarily nocturnal but can adapt to daytime feeding
• 🪵 Appreciates large open swimming space and secure hides

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 300+ gallons
• 🪵 Provide large driftwood structures and rockwork for shelter
• 🌊 Strong filtration and high oxygenation required
• 💡 Moderate lighting, with dim areas for hiding
• ⚠️ Tight-fitting lid to prevent jumping

💧 Water Parameters – Sailfin Marbled Catfish Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.5–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous Predator

• 🦐 Fresh or frozen shrimp and prawns
• 🐟 Strips of fish fillet and squid
• 🪱 Earthworms and large insect larvae
• 🚫 Avoid feeder fish due to parasite and disease risk
• 🐟 Give your fish the best with the same high-quality nutrition we use every day! 🐟 At Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids, we feed a balanced mix of protein-rich and vegetable-based fish foods to keep our plecos, cichlids, and other tropical fish healthy, active, and thriving. These premium fish foods are specially formulated to enhance natural color, promote strong growth, and support long-term health—making them a trusted choice for aquarium hobbyists worldwide.
  • Fluval Bug Bites Pleco Formula
  • Fluval Bug Bites Tropical
  • Hikari Massivore Delight
  • Hikari Massivore Delight
• 🐟 By purchasing through these links, you not only provide your fish with top-quality nutrition but also help support our mission to bring hobbyists the best in fish care. ✨ Click the links above to shop now and give your fish the nutrition they deserve! We earn a small commission for each sale.

📋 Sailfin Marbled Catfish Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Sailfin Marbled Catfish is a massive, beautifully patterned predator that can be the star of any giant freshwater aquarium or tropical pond, but it requires significant space, strong filtration, and large tankmates to thrive.