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Calophysus macropterus, commonly known as Pirapitinga or Vulture Catfish, is a large, predatory catfish belonging to the family Pimelodidae. It is characterized by its robust body, broad head, and distinctive coloration. This species is known for its opportunistic feeding habits, often scavenging on carrion, which has earned it the 'vulture' moniker. It plays a significant ecological role as a scavenger in its native South American river systems.
Características físicas
- Formato do corpo
- torpedo
- Coloração
- Adults typically exhibit a dark grey to brownish-black dorsal surface, fading to a lighter grey or whitish belly. Juveniles may have more pronounced mottling or spots that fade with age. The fins are often dark.
- Tipo de escama
- none
- Posição da boca
- terminal
- Características distintivas
- Broad, flattened head with a wide mouth, Long, prominent barbels (two maxillary, four mental), Adipose fin is large and well-developed, Robust, muscular body, Relatively small eyes positioned dorsally
- Nadadeira dorsal
- Short-based, with a strong, serrated spine and 6-7 soft rays. Positioned anteriorly.
- Nadadeira caudal
- Deeply forked, with pointed lobes.
- Nadadeira peitoral
- Large and powerful, with a strong, serrated spine and several soft rays. Used for propulsion and defense.
- Nadadeiras características
- Possesses a large, fleshy adipose fin, characteristic of many pimelodid catfishes.
Dicas de identificação
Head Shape
Look for a distinctly broad and flattened head, wider than the body, with a very wide mouth.
Barbels
Observe the long maxillary barbels that extend well past the pectoral fins, and four shorter mental barbels.
Adipose Fin
Note the large, prominent adipose fin, which is a key characteristic of the Pimelodidae family.
Coloration
Adults are generally dark grey to brownish-black dorsally, with a lighter belly. Juveniles may show some mottling.
Size
This is a large catfish, capable of reaching significant sizes (up to 1.5 meters and over 50 kg), which helps distinguish it from smaller pimelodids.
Habitat
- Tipo de água
- freshwater
- Profundidade
- Typically found in deeper channels of large rivers, but also moves into flooded forests and lakes during high water periods.
- Ambiente
- Large river systems, including main channels, tributaries, flooded forests, and oxbow lakes. Prefers areas with moderate to strong currents and abundant submerged vegetation or woody debris for cover.
- Distribuição geográfica
- Native to the Amazon and Orinoco River basins in South America, including countries such as Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia.
Informações sobre aquário
- Nível de cuidado: advanced
- Temperamento: aggressive
- Alimentação: carnivore
- Tamanho mínimo do aquário: 1000 gallons
- Temperatura: 24-28°C (75-82°F)
- Nível de pH: 6.0-7.5
- Dureza da água: 2-15 dGH
- Compatibilidade: Not suitable for community tanks. Best kept alone or with very large, robust, and equally aggressive fish that cannot be swallowed.
- Requisitos especiais: Requires an extremely large aquarium with powerful filtration due to its size and messy eating habits. Substrate should be soft sand or fine gravel. Provide large, smooth rocks and driftwood for hiding and enrichment. Excellent water quality is paramount. Due to its predatory nature, tank mates must be chosen with extreme caution, if at all.
Informações no ambiente natural
- Estado de conservação: least concern
- Sazonalidade: Spawning typically occurs during the rainy season when water levels rise and flood plains become accessible. Fishing activity may increase during these periods.
- Preço de mercado: Variable, often sold for food in local markets; juveniles sometimes for the aquarium trade.
- Importância comercial: medium
- Sabor: Often described as having a strong, somewhat oily flavor.
- Textura: Firm, meaty texture.
- Métodos de preparo: Grilled, Fried, Stewed
- Valor nutricional: Good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, though specific nutritional data can vary.
Fatos principais
Vulture of the Riversbehavior
Calophysus macropterus is often called the 'Vulture Catfish' due to its opportunistic feeding habits, frequently scavenging on carrion, including dead animals and even human remains, in its riverine habitat.
Impressive Sizerecord
This species can grow to an impressive size, reaching lengths of up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) and weighing over 50 kilograms (110 pounds), making it one of the larger catfish species in the Amazon basin.
Powerful Predatorbehavior
Despite its scavenging tendencies, the Pirapitinga is also an active predator, preying on a variety of fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms.
Aquarium Challengeinteresting
Due to its immense size, aggressive nature, and specialized care requirements, Calophysus macropterus is considered an advanced-level aquarium fish, suitable only for very large, dedicated public aquariums or experienced private hobbyists with massive tanks.
Ecological Rolebehavior
As a significant scavenger, the Pirapitinga plays a crucial role in the ecosystem by helping to clean up organic matter and recycle nutrients in the Amazon and Orinoco river systems.
Informações de segurança
Manusear com cuidado- Nível de segurança: caution
- Venenoso: Não
- Comestibilidade: edible
- Observações de manuseio: Handle with extreme caution due to its large size, powerful jaws, and sharp pectoral and dorsal fin spines. These spines can inflict painful wounds and are capable of locking into an upright position, making removal difficult. Always use thick gloves and appropriate tools when handling. Its strong bite can cause serious injury.
Espécies similares
Redtail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
The Redtail Catfish has a distinct red-orange caudal fin and a more pronounced, often mottled, coloration pattern on its body. Its head is also less flattened and broad compared to Calophysus macropterus.
Jau
Zungaro zungaro
Jau typically has a more elongated, cylindrical body and a less flattened head. Its coloration is often yellowish-brown with dark spots or blotches, and its barbels are generally shorter than those of Calophysus macropterus.
Piraíba
Brachyplatystoma filamentosum
While sometimes confused due to size, Piraíba has a more streamlined body, a longer, more pointed snout, and extremely long, filamentous extensions on its caudal fin lobes, especially in juveniles. Its coloration is typically silvery-grey.
Classificação científica
- Reino
- Animalia
- Filo
- Chordata
- Classe
- Actinopterygii
- Ordem
- Siluriformes
- Família
- Pimelodidae
- Gênero
- Calophysus
- Espécie
- Calophysus macropterus
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