Vulture Catfish

Calophysus macropterus ranges across virtually the entire Amazon and Orinoco systems and is one of the most ecologically important large catfish in those basins, serving a key scavenging and predatory role. Its silver body is peppered with irregular dark spots and it has large, powerful pectoral fins and an ample, fork-tailed caudal.

In the aquarium, this species is an active, assertive predator that should not be kept with any fish it can overpower. It is hardy, adaptable, and grows at a steady rate in good conditions. It tends to be more active during the day than many pimelodids and will interact confidently with its keeper.

The Vulture Catfish is occasionally available through South American importers and is priced accessibly relative to similarly sized species. It is best kept alone or with very large, robust tankmates.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, moderately soft to hard; robust filtration. Tank: Minimum 500L; open swimming space, strong filtration, large smooth décor. Feeding: Carnivore and scavenger; prawns, fish fillets, meaty pellets, accepts carrion-type foods readily. Breeding: No captive breeding recorded. Compatibility: Aggressive; keep with large robust species only; will consume smaller fish.