Como identificar Piraíba

Para identificar Piraíba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum), observe estas características principais.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

elongated

Coloração

Adults typically exhibit a dark grey to brownish-grey dorsal surface, fading to a lighter grey or whitish belly. Juveniles often have distinct dark spots or blotches on their flanks, which tend to fade with age. The fins are generally dark.

Tipo de escama

none

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Massive size, reaching up to 3.6 meters (12 feet) in length and over 200 kg (440 lbs) in weight., Long, flattened head with a wide mouth., Three pairs of barbels: one maxillary pair extending beyond the pectoral fins, and two pairs of mental barbels., Highly elongated, filamentous extensions on the upper and lower lobes of the caudal fin, especially prominent in juveniles and sub-adults, which shorten with age., Adipose fin is relatively large.

Nadadeira dorsal

Single, relatively short-based dorsal fin with a strong, serrated spine and soft rays.

Nadadeira caudal

Deeply forked caudal fin with highly elongated, filamentous extensions on both lobes, particularly in younger individuals.

Nadadeira peitoral

Large, powerful pectoral fins, each with a strong, serrated spine.

Nadadeiras características

Pelvic fins are relatively small. Adipose fin is well-developed.

Dicas de identificação

1. 1

   Size

   Its immense size (often exceeding 2 meters) immediately distinguishes it from most other freshwater fish.

2. 2

   Caudal Fin Filaments

   The long, whip-like extensions on the caudal fin lobes are a key identifier, especially in juveniles and sub-adults. These are much longer than in other Brachyplatystoma species.

3. 3

   Head Shape and Barbels

   The broad, flattened head and very long maxillary barbels (extending past the pectoral fins) are characteristic.

4. 4

   Coloration (Juveniles vs. Adults)

   Juveniles often have distinct spots or blotches, which fade in adults, becoming more uniformly dark grey dorsally.

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