Zungaro Giant Catfish

Zungaro zungaro is a massive pimelodid from the Amazon and Orinoco systems, with confirmed wild specimens exceeding 150 cm and 100 kg. Its heavily built, muscular body and broad, powerful head mark it as an apex predator of the largest Amazonian river channels. The species is sporadically available through specialist importers.

In captivity, Zungaro zungaro grows rapidly and generates enormous biological waste, placing extreme demands on filtration systems. Even young fish can be housed only in tanks measured in thousands of litres. Adults require public-aquarium scale facilities without exception.

The species is hardy once established and adapts to captive feeding on large meaty foods. It is an active, powerful swimmer and should be provided with a very large, unobstructed swimming space. Its impressive size and power make it one of the most spectacular of all large freshwater fish.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, moderate hardness; industrial filtration, very frequent water changes. Tank: Minimum 5000L for adults; public-aquarium facilities only. Feeding: Carnivore; very large whole fish, prawns, mussels; substantial quantities. Breeding: No captive breeding documented. Compatibility: Apex predator; solitary only.