Goliath Catfish

Brachyplatystoma filamentosum is a legendary fish in its own right. Adults in the wild regularly exceed 3 metres and can weigh over 200 kg, placing it among the handful of truly giant freshwater species worldwide. Its common name of Goliath Catfish is entirely apt. In the aquarium trade, juveniles are occasionally offered but responsible retailers must counsel buyers on the extreme space requirements.

This species is a fast, pelagic predator that hunts in open water as well as along the bottom. It has a streamlined, powerful build with a long, flattened snout and very long maxillary barbels. The pale, silvery body is unmarked in adults though juveniles may show faint banding.

Keeping a Goliath Catfish is a project measured in decades and tens of thousands of litres. It should only be considered by public aquaria or the most dedicated specialists with purpose-built facilities.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.0, soft water; industrial-scale filtration absolutely essential. Tank: Minimum 5000L for a juvenile; adult requirements far exceed home aquaria — public aquarium only. Feeding: Carnivore; very large fish, whole prey, large pelleted foods; substantial quantities required. Breeding: No captive breeding; migratory spawning behaviour not replicable in captivity. Compatibility: Public aquarium showpiece only; will consume any co-inhabitant it can overpower.