Brachyplatystoma filamentosum, commonly called piraíba, kumakuma, valentón or lau lau, is a species of catfish of the family Pimelodidae and genus Brachyplatystoma that is native to Amazon and Orinoco River basins and rivers in Guianas and northeastern Brazil.[1][2]
It grows to a length of 2.8 m.[1] The largest Amazon piraíba are 2 – 2.5 m long and weigh more than 150 kg.[citation needed] Juveniles exhibit dark body spots or blotches.[3]
Brachyplatystoma filamentosum is found in both freshwater and brackish water systems. The species is a demersalpotamodromous fish that commonly inhabits deeper, flowing channels with soft bottoms.[2]
Uses
As a large fish, piraíba are considered to be game fish and commercial fish. They are generally obligate piscivores; however, stomach contents have been found to include parts of monkeys.[4]
Piraíba are sometimes kept in aquaria, although the adults need a very large tank to accommodate their swimming.[5]
A man poses beside a captured piraibaJuvenile piraiba
