Goliath Catfish (Brachyplatystoma vaillantii)

The Goliath Catfish is a massive migratory pimelodid from the Amazon River that undertakes one of the longest freshwater fish migrations on Earth, traveling thousands of kilometers upstream to spawn in Andean foothills. Its streamlined, powerful body, expansive tail, and enormously long maxillary barbels make it an imposing and breathtaking presence in any very large aquarium. Juveniles are remarkably fast-growing. This species is only suitable for true monster-fish specialists with industrial-scale filtration and thousands of liters of water.

Requires a minimum of 3,000 L with extremely powerful, high-flow filtration and excellent water quality. Maintain temperature 22–28°C, pH 5.5–7.5. Feed large meaty foods: whole fish, prawns, squid, and large sinking carnivore pellets. This species grows rapidly and should only be acquired with a long-term plan for housing. Keep alone or only with species far too large to be predated upon. Professional-level maintenance required.