How to Identify Tiger Sorubim

To identify Tiger Sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum), look at these key features.

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

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   Snout Shape

   The snout is distinctly flattened and shovel-like, though this is common among Pseudoplatystoma species.

3. 3

   Maxillary Barbels

   The long maxillary barbels typically extend past the pectoral fins, a characteristic shared with other large Pseudoplatystoma.

4. 4

   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.

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