Brachyplatystoma sp.

A remarkably patterned, large-growing predatory catfish, the Juruense or False Tigrinus is widely distributed throughout the Amazon Basin, where it is a prized food fish. Although juvenile fish tend to be a drab dark gray with some striping, as they grow this fish will develop a striking pattern of black stripes on an off white or occasionally even cream-colored background, extending to the intricately striped tail. The rare and sought after “flash” variant of this species displays very light white or yellow base coloration with an elaborate stripe pattern. These catfish tend to be found in fast-moving stretches of murky water, and they rely on their sensitive barbels much more than their limited eyesight to find prey. In the aquarium, they prefer dim lighting, ample hiding places, and pristine water quality (maintaining high levels of dissolved oxygen is especially important).