| Brachyplatystoma filamentosum | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Pimelodidae |
| Genus: | Brachyplatystoma |
| Species: |
B. filamentosum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Brachyplatystoma filamentosum (Lichtenstein, 1819) | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Brachyplatystoma filamentosum, commonly called piraíba, kumakuma, valentónorlau lau, is a speciesofcatfish of the family Pimelodidae and genus Brachyplatystoma that is native to Amazon and Orinoco River basins and rivers in Guianas and northeastern Brazil.[1][2]
The species is found in rivers and estuariesofAmazon and Orinoco watersheds, Guianas and northeastern Brazil.[2]
It grows to a length of 2.8 m.[1] The largest Amazon piraíba are 2 – 2.5 m long and weigh more than 150 kg.[citation needed] Juveniles exhibit dark body spots or blotches.[3]
It is entirely piscivorous preying on loricariids and other bottom-dwelling fish.[3]
Brachyplatystoma filamentosum is found in both freshwater and brackish water systems. The species is a demersal potamodromous fish that commonly inhabits deeper, flowing channels with soft bottoms.[2]
As a large fish, piraíba are considered to be game fish and commercial fish. They are generally obligate piscivores; however, stomach contents have been found to include parts of monkeys.[4]
Piraíba are sometimes kept in aquaria, although the adults need a very large tank to accommodate their swimming.[5]
| Brachyplatystoma filamentosum |
|
|---|---|
 | This Pimelodidae-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
