Leiarius pictus is one of the most attractive predatory catfish of all. The large, sail-like dorsal fin in combination with the light-colored band that starts at the base of the dorsal fin and runs diagonally backwards to the belly make it unmistakable. The species is extremely widespread in South America. It has been reported from practically the entire catchment areas of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers. We usually import this up to 60 cm long species from Peru.
Juvenile specimens of this catfish form large schools in the wild, while older specimens are more solitary. Although the animals are basically carnivorous, the species is opportunistic and tends towards an omnivorous diet. All common types of food are accepted in the aquarium. Leiarius pictus is also kept as a food fish in aquaculture due to its easy habituation to artificial food. Artificial fertilization is used to breed hybrids with Brachyplatystoma species and Phractocephalus for meat production.
We can currently offer some very nice specimens in the sizes 16-20 cm and 20-25 cm.
For our customers: 16-20 cm have code 265304 and 20-25 cm code 265305 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
