Tigrinus Catfish - (Brachyplatystoma tigrinum)

🐟 Tigrinus Catfish – (Brachyplatystoma tigrinum) – Striking South American Predator Catfish for Sale

The Tigrinus Catfish (Brachyplatystoma tigrinum) is a rare and highly sought-after South American predatory catfish known for its bold black-and-white tiger-like striping. Native to the fast-flowing waters of the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, this sleek, powerful species can grow over two feet in length and requires a large aquarium or indoor pond. Its long, slender body, forked tail, and distinctive pattern make it a showpiece for advanced predator fish keepers.

🔎 Quick Facts – Tigrinus Catfish (Brachyplatystoma tigrinum)

• 📛 Common Name: Tigrinus Catfish, Zebra Shovelnose Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Brachyplatystoma tigrinum
• 🌍 Origin: Amazon and Orinoco River Basins – Brazil, Colombia, Peru
• 🎨 Appearance: Slender silver-white body with bold black vertical stripes; long forked tail and barbels
• 📏 Max Size: 24–30 inches (60–76 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Rare; prized by large predatory fish enthusiasts

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚔️ Aggressive predator toward smaller fish
• 🐟 Best kept as a single specimen or with similarly sized predators
• 🌊 Active midwater and bottom-dweller; requires strong water movement

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 300+ gallons or indoor pond
• 🪵 Large open swimming areas with minimal sharp décor
• 🌊 Requires strong filtration and high oxygenation to mimic river habitat
• 💡 Moderate lighting to highlight striping

💧 Water Parameters – Tigrinus Catfish Care

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

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous Predator

• 🐟 Whole fish, shrimp, and squid
• 🦐 Frozen or fresh prawns and silversides
• 🚫 Avoid feeder fish to reduce 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
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• 🐟 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.

📋 Tigrinus Catfish Overview Table

✨ Highlight:
The Tigrinus Catfish is a stunning, large, and powerful predator with bold tiger-like striping, making it a centerpiece for experienced aquarists with very large aquariums or indoor ponds.