Gold Zebra catfish, scientifically known as Brachyplatystoma juruense, belong to the Pimelodidae family.
It’s a type of catfish found in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins in Peru and northwest Brazil.
Young gold zebra catfish are sometimes mistaken for another species called B. tigrinum.
Gold zebra catfish only eat other fish, specifically bottom-dwelling fish like loricariids.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Gold Zebra Catfish Interesting Facts
- Gold zebra catfish, also known as Brachyplatystoma juruense, is a species of catfish found in the Amazon and Orinoco River basin of northwestern Brazil.
- These fish can grow up to 60.0 cm in length and live in larger, deeper river channels with a sandy substrate and driftwood.
- The adult gold zebra catfish have broad dark vertical bands.
- Gold zebra catfish are entirely piscivorous which means they prey on loricariids (suckermouth armored catfish) and other bottom-dwelling fish.
Gold Zebra Catfish Habitat
Gold zebra catfish can be found in South America, specifically in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins.
It lives in big, deep parts of rivers with sandy bottoms and large pieces of driftwood.
This fish prefers freshwater environments and like to stay near the bottom of the water.
It thrives in warm, tropical waters with temperatures between 72°F to 81°F (22°C to 27°C).
Water Temperature: | 72°F to 81°F (22°C to 27°C) |
Water pH: | Unknown |
Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Gold Zebra Catfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 23.6 inches (60.0 centimeters)
Gold zebra catfish is one of the biggest freshwater fish. It can grow quite large, up to 60 cm (about 2 feet) long.
Adult gold zebra catfish has wide, dark stripes that can be vertical, slanted, or branching.
The underside of this fish is light yellow. Its tail fin has blotches or bars.
Gold Zebra Catfish Scientific Classification
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Actinopterygii |
Order: | Siluriformes |
Family: | Pimelodidae |
Genus: | Brachyplatystoma |
Scientific Name: | Brachyplatystoma juruense |
Also Known As: | Gold Zebra Catfish |
Conservation Status: | Unknown |