Firewood Catfish - (Sorubimichthys planiceps)

🐟 Firewood Catfish (Sorubimichthys planiceps)

The Firewood Catfish is a large, slender catfish native to South America, known for its elongated body and unique flat head. Despite its impressive size, locals say this catfish is only good for firewood because it has very little meat, making it unsuitable as a food fish.

🔍 Quick Facts

• 🆔 Common Name: Firewood Catfish
• 🧬 Scientific Name: Sorubimichthys planiceps
• 🧬 Family: Pimelodidae
• 🌎 Origin: South America — Amazon and Orinoco basins
• 📏 Max Size: Up to 36 inches (90 cm)

🕊️ Behavior & Temperament

• 🐟 Nocturnal and largely solitary
• 🏞 Prefers slow-moving, deep waters with plenty of cover
• 🦷 Predatory diet, feeding on smaller fish and invertebrates

🏡 Tank Requirements

• 🛁 Minimum Tank Size: 180+ gallons due to large size
• 🪨 Provide plenty of hiding places and open swimming areas
• 💧 Requires excellent filtration and stable water conditions

Water Parameters:

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

🍽️ Diet

• Carnivorous — feeds on live or frozen fish, crustaceans, and worms

📊 Overview Table

📝 Snippet

• The Firewood Catfish (Sorubimichthys planiceps) is a large predatory catfish native to South America.
• Locals say it’s only good for firewood due to its minimal meat, making it unsuitable for food.