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Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum, commonly known as the Tiger Sorubim, is a large, predatory catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. It is highly prized by anglers for its fighting ability and by aquarists for its striking appearance, though its large adult size makes it suitable only for very large aquariums or public displays. This species is characterized by its elongated body, flattened head, and distinctive tiger-like striped pattern.
Physical Characteristics
- Body shape
- elongated
- Coloration
- The dorsal surface is typically dark grey to olive-brown, fading to a lighter, often whitish or yellowish ventral side. The most striking feature is the pattern of irregular, dark, vertical to oblique stripes and spots that resemble a tiger's markings, extending from the head to the caudal fin. The intensity and pattern of these markings can vary geographically and individually.
- Scale type
- none
- Mouth position
- terminal
- Distinctive features
- Long, flattened, shovel-like snout, Three pairs of barbels: one maxillary pair extending beyond the pectoral fins, and two pairs of mental barbels, Distinctive tiger-like striped pattern, Large, deeply forked caudal fin, Adipose fin present
- Dorsal fin
- Single, relatively small dorsal fin with a strong, serrated spine and 6-7 soft rays.
- Tail fin
- Large, deeply forked caudal fin, providing powerful propulsion.
- Pectoral fin
- Strong pectoral fins, each with a robust, serrated spine that can be locked into position.
- Distinctive fins
- Presence of a small adipose fin between the dorsal and caudal fins.
Identification Tips
Body Pattern
Look for the irregular, dark, vertical to oblique stripes and spots on a lighter background, resembling a tiger's markings. This is the primary distinguishing feature from other Pseudoplatystoma species.
Snout Shape
The snout is distinctly flattened and shovel-like, though this is common among Pseudoplatystoma species.
Maxillary Barbels
The long maxillary barbels typically extend past the pectoral fins, a characteristic shared with other large Pseudoplatystoma.
Head Shape
Compared to P. fasciatum, P. tigrinum generally has a slightly broader and more rounded head profile when viewed from above, and the stripes are typically more irregular and broken.
Habitat
- Water type
- freshwater
- Depth
- Typically found in deeper channels of large rivers, but also moves into flooded forests and lakes during high water periods.
- Environment
- Large rivers, tributaries, floodplains, and associated lakes. Prefers areas with strong currents, submerged wood, and rocky substrates, but also utilizes flooded vegetation for feeding and spawning.
- Geographic range
- Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America, including countries such as Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Guyana.
Aquarium Information
- Care level: advanced
- Temperament: aggressive
- Diet: carnivore
- Minimum tank size: 2000 gallons (7570 liters) for a single adult
- Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
- pH level: 6.0-7.5
- Hardness: 2-15 dGH
- Compatibility: Only compatible with other very large, robust fish that cannot be swallowed. Best kept as a solitary specimen or in a species-specific display.
- Special requirements: Requires an extremely large aquarium with powerful filtration to handle its bioload. Needs ample swimming space and hiding spots (large PVC pipes, driftwood). Excellent water quality is paramount. Due to its predatory nature, tank mates must be chosen with extreme care, or it should be kept alone.
Wild Information
- Conservation status: least concern
- Seasonality: Spawning typically occurs during the rainy season when rivers are high and floodplains are inundated, providing suitable breeding grounds and abundant food for juveniles. Migratory patterns are linked to these seasonal hydrological changes.
- Market price: Varies, but generally high for food fish and for large aquarium specimens.
- Commercial importance: high
- Taste: Mild, firm, white flesh
- Texture: Firm, flaky
- Cooking methods: Grilled, Fried, Baked, Stewed
- Nutritional value: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Key Facts
Top Predatorbehavior
The Tiger Sorubim is an apex predator in its native South American river systems, playing a crucial role in maintaining the balance of fish populations.
Migratory Spawnersbehavior
These catfish undertake extensive migrations, often hundreds of kilometers, to reach spawning grounds in flooded areas during the wet season.
Rapid Growthinteresting
Juvenile Tiger Sorubim exhibit very rapid growth rates, quickly outgrowing most home aquariums.
Sensory Huntersbehavior
Equipped with long barbels and a highly developed sense of smell, they are expert nocturnal hunters, detecting prey in murky waters.
Taxonomic Complexityinteresting
The genus Pseudoplatystoma has undergone significant taxonomic revision, and distinguishing between species like P. tigrinum, P. fasciatum, and P. punctifer can be challenging due to morphological similarities and hybridization.
Safety Information
Handle with care- Safety level: caution
- Venomous: No
- Edibility: edible
- Handling notes: Handle with care due to their large size, powerful thrashing, and sharp pectoral fin spines. These spines can inflict painful wounds and become lodged in skin or nets. Use thick gloves and appropriate handling tools. They are not venomous, but bacterial infections can occur from punctures.
Similar Species
Barred Sorubim
Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum
P. fasciatum typically has more regular, distinct, and often narrower vertical bars that extend further down the flanks, sometimes forming a reticulated pattern. The head shape can also be subtly different, with P. fasciatum often having a slightly more pointed snout.
Spotted Sorubim
Pseudoplatystoma punctifer
P. punctifer is characterized by a pattern of numerous small, dark spots over a lighter background, rather than the prominent stripes of P. tigrinum. It lacks the distinct 'tiger' stripes.
Hybrid Sorubim (Capaz)
Pseudoplatystoma orinocense x P. tigrinum (or other Pseudoplatystoma species)
Hybrids often exhibit a mix of parental characteristics, making identification challenging. The pattern might be intermediate, or show a combination of spots and stripes. Genetic analysis is often required for definitive identification of hybrids.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Siluriformes
- Family
- Pimelodidae
- Genus
- Pseudoplatystoma
- Species
- Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum
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