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Brachyplatystoma juruense, commonly known as Bagre-zebra or Zebra Catfish, is a large, migratory piscivorous catfish belonging to the family Pimelodidae. It is highly prized in both commercial fisheries and, to a lesser extent, the ornamental fish trade due to its striking coloration and impressive size. This species is characterized by its elongated body, prominent barbels, and distinctive dark vertical bands on a lighter background, which become less pronounced with age. It is an important component of the Amazonian ichthyofauna, playing a significant ecological role as a top predator in its native habitats.
Características físicas
- Formato do corpo
- torpedo
- Coloração
- Juveniles exhibit striking dark vertical bands (typically 7-9) on a silvery-white to yellowish background, resembling a zebra pattern. These bands become less distinct and may fade to a mottled or uniform greyish-brown as the fish matures. The ventral surface is typically lighter. Fins are often dusky or translucent.
- Tipo de escama
- none
- Posição da boca
- terminal
- Características distintivas
- Long, slender body, becoming more robust with age., Large, broad, and somewhat flattened head., Three pairs of barbels: one maxillary pair extending well past the pectoral fins, and two mental pairs that are shorter., Deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes., Adipose fin present and relatively large., Small, widely spaced eyes located dorsally on the head.
- Nadadeira dorsal
- Single dorsal fin with a strong, serrated spine and 6-7 soft rays. The spine can be locked upright.
- Nadadeira caudal
- Deeply forked, homocercal caudal fin with pointed lobes.
- Nadadeira peitoral
- Pectoral fins are relatively large and possess a strong, serrated spine.
- Nadadeiras características
- Pelvic fins are small. Adipose fin is well-developed and positioned posteriorly.
Dicas de identificação
Coloration and Pattern
Look for the distinctive dark vertical bands on a lighter body, especially in younger specimens. These bands are the primary identifier for 'zebra' in its common name.
Body Shape and Size
Its elongated, torpedo-shaped body and potential for very large size (up to 1.5 meters TL) are key indicators.
Barbels
The very long maxillary barbels extending beyond the pectoral fins are characteristic of Brachyplatystoma species, and particularly prominent in B. juruense.
Caudal Fin
The deeply forked caudal fin with pointed lobes is a consistent feature across all life stages.
Habitat
- Tipo de água
- freshwater
- Profundidade
- Typically found in deeper channels of large rivers, but juveniles may inhabit shallower, vegetated areas.
- Ambiente
- Large, turbid rivers and their major tributaries, particularly in areas with strong currents and deep pools. Associated with both open water and submerged structures like fallen trees and root masses. Undertakes extensive migratory movements.
- Distribuição geográfica
- Amazon and Orinoco River basins in South America. Specifically found in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia.
Informações sobre aquário
- Nível de cuidado: expert
- Temperamento: aggressive
- Alimentação: carnivore
- Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 2000 gallons (7570 liters) for adult specimens
- Temperatura: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- Nível de pH: 6.0-7.5
- Dureza da água: 2-15 dGH
- Compatibilidade: Only compatible with other very large, robust fish that cannot be swallowed. Not suitable for typical community aquariums. Best kept alone or in very large, species-specific displays.
- Requisitos especiais: Requires an extremely large aquarium with powerful filtration to handle its bioload. Substrate should be fine sand to protect its delicate barbels. Ample open swimming space is crucial, along with some large driftwood or rock formations for shelter. Excellent water quality and high oxygenation are paramount. Due to its eventual size, this species is generally not recommended for private aquarists and is more suited for public aquariums.
Informações no ambiente natural
- Estado de conservação: least concern
- Sazonalidade: Spawning migrations typically occur during the high-water season, with adults moving upstream to reproduce. Juveniles then drift downstream to nursery areas.
- Preço de mercado: Variable, often high for food fish; high for ornamental juveniles
- Importância comercial: high
- Sabor: Mild, firm, white flesh
- Textura: Flaky, non-oily
- Métodos de preparo: Grilled, Fried, Baked, Stewed
- Valor nutricional: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Fatos principais
Long-Distance Migratorbehavior
Brachyplatystoma juruense is known for its extensive migratory journeys, often traveling thousands of kilometers between spawning grounds in Andean headwaters and feeding grounds in the lower Amazon.
Size Potentialrecord
This species can grow to an impressive size, with adults commonly reaching 1.0 to 1.5 meters (3.3 to 4.9 feet) in total length and weights exceeding 50 kg (110 lbs).
Dietary Shiftbehavior
Juveniles primarily feed on smaller invertebrates and fish, while adults are obligate piscivores, preying on a wide variety of other fish species.
Ecological Importanceinteresting
As a top predator and a highly migratory species, B. juruense plays a crucial role in the energy transfer and ecological balance of the Amazonian river systems.
Juvenile Camouflagebehavior
The striking 'zebra' pattern of juveniles likely serves as camouflage in the complex, often debris-filled shallow waters where they spend their early life stages.
Informações de segurança
Manusear com cuidado- Nível de segurança: caution
- Venenoso: Não
- Comestibilidade: edible
- Observações de manuseio: While not venomous, Brachyplatystoma juruense possesses strong, serrated spines in its dorsal and pectoral fins. These spines can inflict painful punctures and cause significant injury if not handled carefully. Large specimens are powerful and can thrash violently, posing a risk of physical trauma. Always use thick gloves and appropriate tools (e.g., lip grippers for large fish) when handling. Exercise extreme caution to avoid being impaled by the spines.
Espécies similares
Piraíba
Brachyplatystoma filamentosum
B. filamentosum typically reaches much larger sizes (up to 3.6 meters TL), has a more robust head, and generally lacks the distinct vertical banding of B. juruense, especially as adults. Its body coloration is usually more uniformly grey or brownish.
Dourada
Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii
B. rousseauxii also lacks the prominent vertical banding. It has a more silvery-golden coloration, particularly along the flanks, and its head shape is generally more pointed than B. juruense. It is also a highly migratory species but its juvenile patterns differ.
Caparari
Brachyplatystoma platynemum
B. platynemum has a more compressed body and a distinctive, often mottled or blotchy pattern rather than clear vertical bands. Its maxillary barbels are also typically shorter relative to its body length compared to B. juruense.
Classificação científica
- Reino
- Animalia
- Filo
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordem
- Siluriformes
- Família
- Pimelodidae
- Gênero
- Brachyplatystoma
- Espécie
- Brachyplatystoma juruense
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