One is used to surprises in catfishes. But the difference between juveniles and adult Sorubimichthys planiceps is really unbelievable. The species grows up to a length of about 1.6 m and is an predatory catfish.
Sadly the species, which has a very wide distribution in South America, is endangered due to overfishing for food purposes. So it is bred now commercially. In the breeding facilities also hybrids with other large catfish species are produced for the food fish market; however, these hybrids are not desired by aquarium hobbyists.
Juveniles of Sorubimichthys planiceps look rather like butterflies than like fish. They are not difficult to raise. Although they prefer live food items they also accept frozen or artificial food items after some time. Of course these giants should be kept in a long time sight only by owners of really big tanks.
For our customers: the fish have code 293500 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
