Tiger sorubim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tiger sorubim |
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The tiger sorubim (scientific name: Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum) is a cool type of long-whiskered catfish. It's also known as the tiger shovelnose or caparari. This fish lives in the amazing Amazon Basin in South America.
It gets its name from the tiger-like stripes on its body. These stripes help it blend in with its surroundings. The tiger sorubim is a popular fish for aquariums, but it can grow very large!
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Meet the Tiger Sorubim!
The tiger sorubim is a fascinating fish with some unique features. It's known for its striking looks and its role in the Amazon ecosystem.
What Does It Look Like?
This fish has a long, sleek body covered in dark stripes and spots. These patterns look a lot like a tiger's stripes, which is how it got its common name. Its belly is usually white or light-colored.
It has a wide, flattened snout, which helps it search for food. Like other catfish, it has long whiskers, called barbels, around its mouth. These barbels are super sensitive and help the fish find food in murky water.
The tiger sorubim can grow quite big. The largest ones can reach about 130 cm (51 in) long. That's over 4 feet! However, most of the fish you'd see are usually smaller than this.
Where Does It Live?
The tiger sorubim is native to the vast Amazon River system. This huge river basin covers many countries in South America. You can find this fish in rivers and streams across:
It prefers to live in the deeper parts of rivers. It also likes areas with strong currents. These fish are often found near the river bottom, where they can hide and hunt.
What Does It Eat?
The tiger sorubim is a predator, which means it hunts other animals for food. It mainly eats smaller fish and crustaceans. Crustaceans are like tiny shrimp or crabs.
It uses its long barbels to feel around in the water. This helps it find prey even when it's dark or the water is cloudy. Once it finds a meal, it quickly gulps it down.
Life of a Tiger Sorubim
Like all animals, the tiger sorubim has a life cycle. It grows from a small fish to a large adult.
Growing Up
Young tiger sorubim fish start out small. They grow steadily over time, getting bigger and stronger. As they grow, their distinctive stripes become more noticeable.
They need plenty of space and food to reach their full size. In the wild, they have a lot of room to swim and hunt.
Reproduction
Tiger sorubim fish reproduce by laying eggs. The female fish releases eggs into the water. Then, the male fish fertilizes them.
The eggs hatch into tiny fish called fry. These young fish must survive on their own. They grow quickly in the rich waters of the Amazon.
