The predatory catfish Calophysus macropterus belongs to the medium-sized species of the Pimelodidae (antenna catfish), the largest representatives of which can reach a length of around 2 meters. The largest Calophysus measured to date (there is only one accepted species, C. macropterus) is said to have been approx. 60 cm long, but animals as long as 40 cm are considered to be big fish. The species can be found in practically all tropical regions of South America, whose water catchment areas include the Amazon and Orinoco rivers.
Ecologically, this species, which is quite inconspicuous when young but very attractively spotted when old, is remarkable because it takes on the role of the hyenas that these predators have in the African large animal savannah. On the one hand, Calophysus are scavengers and in the past shot caimans or river dolphins were used to attract them. In South America, they are therefore sometimes referred to as “vulture catfish”. But Calophysus are also efficient and successful predators. They are notorious for often trying to plunder fishing nets. Just like hyenas, Calophysus also like to hunt in packs.
These animals need a lot of space in the aquarium (of course!), but otherwise pose no significant problems for the keeper. One of the identifying features of the species is the very long adipose fin in combination with a spotted pattern; the closely related catfish of the genus Pinirampus, which have a similar body and adipose fin shape, are usually without markings.
For our customers: the animals have code 213502 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
