Flatwhiskered Catfish

Pinirampus pirinampu ranges across the Amazon and Orinoco basins and is recognisable by its uniformly silver-grey body, forked tail, and unusually broad, ribbon-like maxillary barbels that extend well beyond the caudal fin in younger fish. It is a fast, pelagic hunter that also forages along the substrate.

In the aquarium, P. pirinampu requires a very large, long tank with powerful filtration and regular water changes. It is an active swimmer that covers considerable ground at night and should have unobstructed swimming space. It is a pure carnivore and should not be housed with any fish it can fit in its mouth.

This species is rarely imported but periodically available through specialist South American catfish dealers. It is hardy and adaptable once established and grows at a moderate rate.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; good circulation and high oxygen. Tank: Minimum 800L; long footprint, powerful filtration, open swimming areas. Feeding: Carnivore; large whole prawns, fish fillets, frozen squid; confident feeder. Breeding: No captive breeding records. Compatibility: Aggressive; keep only with large, robust fish of comparable size.