Sturgeon Catfish, scientifically known as Platystomatichthys sturio, is a type of catfish belonging to the Pimelodidae family in the Siluriformes order.
It’s the only species in the Platystomatichthys genus.
This fish is found in the Amazon River basin. Sturgeon catfish is part of a larger group called the “Calophysus-Pimelodus clade.”
Within this group, it’s considered to be part of the “Pimelodus-group” of Pimelodids, which also includes other fish like Pimelodus, Exallodontus, Duopalatinus, Cheirocerus, Iheringichthys, Bergiaria, Bagropsis, Parapimelodus, Platysilurus, and Propimelodus.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Sturgeon Catfish Interesting Facts
- Sturgeon catfish is the common name of the Platystomatichthys sturio species.
- It’s the only species in its genus and belongs to the catfish family Pimelodidae, order Siluriformes.
- Sturgeon catfish is found in the Amazon River basin and can grow up to 40 centimeters or 15.7 inches long.
- This fish belongs to a group called “Pimelodus-group” of Pimelodids that includes various other species like Iheringichthys, Bergiaria, Parapimelodus, and more.
Sturgeon Catfish Habitat
Sturgeon catfish is found in South America, specifically in the Amazon Basin.
It lives in freshwater environments near the bottom of the water. This fish thrives in warmer, tropical conditions.
It prefers a pH range between 6.0 to 7.5, a hardness (dH) range of up to 18, and a temperature between 70°F to 77°F (21°C to 25°C).
| Water Temperature: | 70°F to 77°F (21°C to 25°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 7.5 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Up to 18 dH |
Sturgeon Catfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 15.7 inches (40.0 centimeters)
Sturgeon catfish can grow up to 40 centimeters long.
This is measured using the standard length method, which measures from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail base.
Sturgeon Catfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Pimelodidae |
| Genus: | Platystomatichthys |
| Scientific Name: | Platystomatichthys sturio |
| Also Known As: | Sturgeon Catfish |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |