Tiger Sorubim, also known as the Tiger Shovelnose or Caparari, is a type of long-whiskered catfish found in the Amazon River basin in South America.
This fish usually comes out at night and lives in various water environments such as slow or fast-flowing zones and flooded forests.
Young tiger sorubim fish are often found in flooded forests. They eat other fish, crabs, and shrimp, which makes them opportunistic and piscivorous.
During the dry season, tiger sorubim fish migrate along with their prey and then return when the rainy season comes to an end.
Tiger sorubim is an important catfish species in the gill-net fishing industry of the Guaporé and Mamoré rivers.
Tiger Sorubim Interesting Facts
- Tiger sorubim is a type of long-whiskered catfish found in the Amazon Basin.
- It can grow up to 130 cm (51 inches) long, but most are smaller than this.
- These fish are nocturnal and can be found in slow or fast-moving waters as well as flooded forests.
- They primarily feed on fish, crabs, and shrimp.
Tiger Sorubim Habitat
Tiger sorubim is found in South America, specifically in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins.
These fish live in brackish and freshwater environments near the bottom of the water, and migrate within their river systems.
They prefer water with a pH level between 6.2 to 7.2, and a hardness (dH) range up to 20.
The ideal water temperature is between 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C). These fish are typically found in tropical climates.
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 79°F (22°C to 26°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.2 to 7.2 pH |
| Water Hardness: | Unknown |
Tiger Sorubim Physical Characteristics
Size: 51 inches (130 centimeters)
Tiger sorubim fish reaches maturity at an unknown length, but it’s estimated to be within the range of 99 cm or more.
These catfish can grow up to 51 inches (130 cm) in length, although most of them are usually smaller.
The heaviest tiger sorubim on record weighed 17 kg (about 37.5 pounds). These fish can live up to 18 years.
Tiger Sorubim Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Pimelodidae |
| Genus: | Pseudoplatystoma |
| Scientific Name: | Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum |
| Also Known As: | Tiger Sorubim, Tiger Shovelnose, Caparari |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |