SCOTCAT.COM
your internet guide to all things catfish
Platystomatichthys sturio (Kner, 1858) |
Image contributors to this species: |
Allan James (2) Peru Aquarium Group (1) Johnny Jensen's Photographic Library (2) Enrico Richter (1) |
ScotCat Sources: |
|
|
Other Sources: |
|
Relevant Information: |
The slight upturned snout of this 'pim' makes it possible for it to find the finest food organisms in the substrate. It is reported that some imported specimens are half starved and need tender loving care to recover. The upturned snout can also be damaged on import. Description: The predorsal plates and the nucal are united and branched off. Dorsal fin with 1-6 radios; pectoral 1-8 pelics 6; anal 13 and caudal 18. Aquarium Care: Can be kept together or singly but will be predatory to smaller fishes especially as they grow larger. Provide a soft substrate such as sand as they will dig and root and will need a powerful external filter. The tank must be twice the length, in width, of the barbels on this species, so it can turn around with no obstruction. A 4ft tank should be the minimum length and breadth. Diet: Tubifex, small earthworms, tablet and pellet foods. |
Common Name: |
Sturgeon catfish |
Synonyms: |
Platystoma sturio |
Family: |
Pimelodidae |
Distribution: |
South America: Amazon basin. Type locality: Rio branco, Brazil. |
Size: |
30.0cm. SL. (12ins) 40.0cm TL (16ins) |
Temp: |
21-25°C (69-77°F) |
p.H. |
|
6.0-7.5. |
Reference: |
Baensch, H.A. and R.
Riehl 1985 Aquarien
atlas. Band 2. Mergus, Verlag für Natur- und
Heimtierkunde GmbH, Melle, Germany. 1216 p. |
Family: Pimelodidae Back to Ident-A-Cat Click on Thumbnails |
Platystomatichthys sturio |
 Platystomatichthys
sturio |
 Platystomatichthys
sturio |
 Platystomatichthys
sturio |
 Platystomatichthys
sturioHead view of damaged snout |
 Platystomatichthys
sturioCropped snout |
If you would like to contribute to the monthly factsheets with an article, information or photos, please e-mail me. You will of course be credited for your work.
If you would like to donate any denomination of monies to the site just click the above link button. All proceeds will go to running the site and hopefully to keep it going for a few years yet.
