Piraiba Catfish - (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum)

🐟 Piraiba Catfish – (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum) – Giant Amazonian Predator for Sale

The Piraiba Catfish (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum) is one of the largest freshwater fish species in the world, native to the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins of South America. Known as the “goliath” of the catfish world, this species can reach lengths of 6–8 feet (1.8–3.6 m) in the wild and is a top predator in its ecosystem.

Piraibas have a streamlined silver-gray body, long barbels, and a powerful build, making them fast, efficient hunters. Due to their enormous adult size, they are suitable only for the largest aquariums or indoor ponds and are generally kept by public aquariums or extremely advanced private keepers.

🔎 Quick Facts – Piraiba Catfish (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum)

• 📛 Common Name: Piraiba Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Brachyplatystoma filamentosum
• 🌍 Origin: Amazon and Orinoco River Basins (South America)
• 🎨 Appearance: Silver-gray body with darker shading along the back, long whisker-like barbels
• 📏 Max Size: 6–12 feet (1.8–3.6 m) in the wild; typically smaller in captivity but still massive
• 💎 Availability: Rare; wild-caught only

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚠️ Highly predatory – consumes fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals
• 🐟 Requires very large, open swimming space
• 🤝 Best kept alone or with equally massive fish species
• 🌊 Powerful swimmer capable of sudden bursts of speed

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 5,000+ gallons (public aquarium or massive private setup)
• 🌿 Smooth-bottom or fine sand substrate
• 🪵 Minimal sharp decor to prevent injury
• 💡 Moderate lighting
• 🌊 Industrial-grade filtration and high oxygenation required

💧 Water Parameters – Piraiba Catfish Care

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

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous Apex Predator

• 🐟 Whole fish (fresh or frozen, quarantined for safety)
• 🦐 Large shrimp, prawns, and squid
• 🪱 Other meaty foods suitable for large predators
• ⚠️ Needs large, frequent feedings when young; slows down with age
• 🐟 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.

📋 Piraiba Catfish Care Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Piraiba Catfish is the true giant of the Amazon, combining massive size, strength, and predatory skill—making it one of the most awe-inspiring freshwater fish on Earth, but suitable only for the largest and most specialized setups.