Barred Sorubim Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) – Giant Predatory Catfish

Barred Sorubim Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) is a very large South American predatory catfish for expert keepers with purpose-built aquariums. Its long barred body, broad head and sensory barbels make it a striking display fish, but its adult size and waste output put it far outside normal community-fish care.

The old version of this page contained unrelated platy, guppy and pregnancy search phrases. Those have been removed. This listing is about one species only: Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum. It is not a peaceful livebearer, not a planted-community fish and not suitable for a standard home aquarium.

How large does a Barred Sorubim grow?

This is a giant pimelodid catfish. Plan the permanent aquarium around an adult approaching 90 cm, not around the juvenile currently offered for sale. A long tank with a broad front-to-back footprint is more important than a tall narrow volume because the fish must be able to turn and cruise without repeatedly contacting the glass or hardscape.

Our practical long-term planning starts around 2,000 litres for an adult, with larger dimensions preferred. That is a welfare recommendation for captive housing rather than a claim that one litre number guarantees success. Actual suitability also depends on internal dimensions, décor displacement, filtration, tank mates and the keeper's ability to maintain water quality.

Aquarium setup

Use smooth sand or fine rounded substrate to protect the underside and barbels. Large driftwood and stable rounded hardscape can provide shaded resting areas, but leave a wide unobstructed swimming route. Avoid sharp rock, narrow caves and unstable structures that a powerful adult could shift.

Filtration must be sized for a giant carnivore. Use mature, high-capacity biological filtration with strong mechanical waste removal and excellent oxygenation. Large meaty meals create substantial solid and dissolved waste, so regular testing and water changes are essential. Ammonia and nitrite must remain at zero.

What should I feed it?

Use a varied carnivore diet based on quality sinking predator pellets and suitable foods such as earthworms, prawns, mussel and appropriately prepared fish flesh. Rotate foods rather than relying on one item. Remove uneaten food promptly before it breaks down.

Do not use live feeder fish as a routine diet. They can introduce parasites and disease, may be nutritionally unbalanced and are unnecessary for maintaining this species in good condition.

Tank mates

The safest approach is species-led or very carefully planned giant-fish housing. Any companion must be too large to swallow, robust enough not to be intimidated and compatible with the same warm freshwater conditions. Similar adult size alone does not guarantee compatibility.

Do not house Barred Sorubim with platies, guppies, tetras, shrimp or other small community livestock. Small fish will be at risk of predation. Large aggressive cichlids can also injure the catfish or compete heavily for food.

Frequently asked questions

Is Barred Sorubim a community fish?

No. It is a large predatory catfish for specialist aquariums. The old “peaceful community fish” wording on this product was incorrect and has been removed.

How big does it get?

Plan for an adult approaching roughly 90 cm. Do not use the shop-size juvenile as a guide to long-term housing.

What tank size does it need?

Our practical adult planning starts around 2,000 litres with a very long, broad footprint. Larger is preferable where tank mates are included.

Can it live with small fish?

No. Fish small enough to fit in its mouth should be considered prey.

Does it need live feeder fish?

No. A varied prepared and frozen/meaty diet is safer and more controllable.

Is one quantity a pair?

No. One quantity is one fish unless a future live variant explicitly says otherwise.

Current price, stock and any sellable size option are shown by the live Shopify controls on this page rather than repeated as fixed values in the care description.