Gilded Catfish

Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii is one of the great migratory fish of the Amazon basin, adults travelling up to 5,000 km to spawn in Andean foothills rivers. It is a powerful, stream-lined catfish with a slightly golden or brassy sheen and can reach 120 cm or more. This species is strictly a fish for public aquaria.

In captivity, Gilded Catfish are fast-swimming, highly active predators that require enormous tanks with very strong filtration. They produce significant biological waste and are sensitive to declining water quality. They are best housed alone or with species of comparable size that present no prey opportunity.

Feeding is straightforward once established; whole fish and large meaty foods are eagerly taken. The species is legally protected in several range states due to commercial fishing pressure, and captive specimens should be sourced from responsible suppliers.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.0, soft water preferred; very low nitrates. Tank: Minimum 2000L; very long tank, powerful filtration, bare bottom for hygiene. Feeding: Carnivore; whole fish, large prawns, mussels, frozen squid; feed 2–3 times per week. Breeding: Not achieved in captivity; highly migratory spawning biology precludes aquarium breeding. Compatibility: Solitary or with comparable-sized robust fish only.