Peru piraiba catfish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Peru piraiba catfish |
|
|---|---|
| Scientific classification |
The Brachyplatystoma capapretum, often called the dark caped goliath catfish, is a fascinating fish. People also know it as the Peru piraiba catfish or false piraiba. This type of catfish belongs to the Pimelodidae family. It naturally lives in the river systems of Brazil and Peru.
About the Dark Caped Goliath Catfish
This large catfish is known for its unique look. Adult fish have a dark gray back and a lighter, creamy white belly. This pattern helps them blend in with their surroundings. Their tail fin is shaped like a fork, but not too deeply split.
Younger fish look a bit different. They have big, dark brown or gray spots. These spots are usually found above their side line. This helps them hide when they are small.
What It Eats
The dark caped goliath catfish is a predator. It eats only other fish. This means it is entirely piscivorous. It hunts for its food in the rivers and lakes where it lives.
Where It Lives
This catfish is found in many places. It lives in large rivers and lakes across Brazil and Peru. You can find it in the Amazon River, from Belém in Brazil all the way to Iquitos in Peru. It also lives in rivers like the Trombetas, Madeira, Negro, and Purus.
This species prefers muddy waters. It also likes deeper parts of rivers where the water flows well. It lives near the bottom of the river and in the open water. Young and growing catfish often travel long distances. This means they are migratory.
