Flat Whipcat

Brachyplatystoma vaillantii, known in Brazil as the Piramutaba, is an important commercial food fish throughout the Amazon basin and one of the migratory pimelodids undertaking long seasonal river movements. Its creamy pale body with a noticeably flattened, elongated snout sets it apart visually from other members of its genus.

In the aquarium, specimens grow large rapidly and are active, powerful swimmers. Very large tanks with robust filtration are essential. The species inhabits murky whitewater rivers in the wild and tolerates somewhat harder water than other Brachyplatystoma, though soft, warm conditions remain preferred.

This fish is rarely exported specifically for the hobby but occasionally appears through South American fish importers. Its manageable colouration belies an imposing presence when fully grown.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; clean, well-oxygenated conditions. Tank: Minimum 1500L; robust filtration, ample open swimming space, bare or fine sand substrate. Feeding: Carnivore; large whole prey, prawns, fish fillets, large sinking pellets. Breeding: No captive breeding; migratory spawner in the wild. Compatibility: Large robust South American species only; predatory.