Gilded Catfish / Gilded Shovelnose (Zungaro zungaro)

The Gilded Catfish is one of the largest freshwater catfish in South America, capable of exceeding 140 cm and 80 kg in the wild, making it a purely a specimen for public aquariums or the most dedicated extreme-fish enthusiasts. Juveniles display a beautiful golden-yellow coloration with dark mottling that gradually fades with age. Its sheer scale, powerful build, long barbels, and insatiable appetite demand extraordinary space, industrial-grade filtration, and a lifetime commitment.

Requires a minimum of 5,000 L with extremely powerful filtration. Maintain temperature 22–28°C, pH 5.5–7.5. This species is a voracious carnivore that must be fed large meaty foods — whole fish, prawns, squid, sinking carnivore pellets. Keep alone or only with fish too large to be swallowed. Not suitable for home aquariums. Grows very rapidly and requires professional management.