[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Catfish – Sailfin Marbled Catfish (Leiarius pictus)

This spectacular species is distinguished by its large, sail-like dorsal fin and bold chocolate-brown and creamy-pink body patterning. Its most obvious disadvantages as an aquarium fish are its large size and feeding habit, which make it suitable only for those specialist hobbyists who can cater for its needs. A mottled species, L. marmoratus (False Perrunichthys), from the Brazilian and Peruvian Amazon, is also occasionally available.

Other common name

• Sailfin Pirn

Family

• Pimelodidae

Distribution

• Amazon basin.

Size

• Up to 24in (60cm).

Behavior

• Highly predatory.

Diet

• Large livefoods — including fish —accepted (a factor that demands consideration prior to purchase).

Aquarium

• Large, well covered, well filtered, with water current (as produced by power filter or power-head outlet) essential. Provide large shelters. Water chemistry not critical, but extremes must be avoided. Temperature range: 72-81 : F(22-27°C).

Breeding

• No documented accounts currently available.