Family: Pimelodidae
Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum — a Pimelodidae from South America. Reaches 97.5–143 cm; keep at 24–30 °C.
Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum, a member of the family Pimelodidae, comes from South America, where it inhabits large rivers and floodplains over sand. Predatory toward fish close to its mouth size and carnivore; meaty sinking foods, it grows to 97.5–143 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 24–30 °C range. Other Pseudoplatystoma species in our database include Pseudoplatystoma corruscans.
A moderate-level species: predatory toward fish close to its mouth size; stable water matters more than fancy equipment.
Hold 24–30 °C and keep it stable — 24–30 °C curated husbandry range. Heater for stable warmth.
Expect 97.5–143 cm as an adult, living middle of the water column. A 500 L tank or larger gives it room.
Carnivore; meaty sinking foods. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Predatory toward fish close to its mouth size; singles or small groups in very large tanks. Good company: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Keep away from Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Its home waters are South America — large rivers and floodplains over sand, with moderate current.
In the aquarium: not bred in home aquaria. Hard to distinguish.