Care
The Sturgeon Catfish is a large, slender pimelodid (long-whiskered catfish) that is widely distributed across the Amazon River basin. Here this predatory species lurks amongst submerged roots during daylight hours, and emerges in the evening to feed. This is a sizeable catfish with a delicate elongated snout which can easily become permanently damaged/upturned in cramped quarters. However, this is entirely preventable by providing a voluminous aquarium from the outset, at least 8ft long and 2ft wide (if not bigger), to inhibit the fish from accidentally harming itself when swimming at speed. Spacious quarters will also allow the fish to flex its long maxillary barbels (which exceed the length of the body). Powerful filtration is requisite, as is brisk water movement and a decent level of oxygenation. Substrate should consist of soft sand in order to protect the lengthy sensory barbels. There should be at least one large shelter for each fish to take refuge in during daylight hours, and these can be fashioned from sizeable pieces of bogwood, large slates, wide bore PVC tubing etc. Provision should also be made for a roomy swimming space along the front of the aquarium for the fish to use into the night. Lighting should be fairly dim. Some aquarists like to add a blue moon light timed to come on just before the main lights switch off. This way you can observe your catfish into the evening under their preferred subdued/moonlit conditions. Sturgeon Catfish are voracious eaters that produce a fair amount of waste, and require excellent water conditions at all times. Frequent partial water changes are essential as they will not tolerate an elevated nitrate level. Sturgeon Catfish are moderately territorially aggressive towards their own kind and similar-looking bottom-dwellers, but can usually be kept in groups successfully, especially if housed in sizeable aquaria with plenty of visual barriers. Tankmates, if desired, must be chosen with care as this fish has a capacious mouth and will predate on smaller species overnight. Shoals of large, adult, deep-bodied characins or cyprinids would work well.
Feeding
Sinking catfish pellets/tablets/granules, frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, chopped prawns etc.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
