Pimelodus maculatus Breeding Guide

Pimelodus maculatus is a potamodromous river catfish from the Parana and Sao Francisco basins that spawns on migration, not in aquaria.

Overview

Pimelodus maculatus, the spotted pim, is a long-whiskered catfish of the family Pimelodidae native to the Parana and Sao Francisco river basins of South America. FishBase records a maximum total length around 51 cm, a benthopelagic freshwater habit, and potamodromous (within-freshwater migratory) behaviour, with maturity reached at roughly 16 cm.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

FishBase classifies the species as potamodromous, meaning it undertakes spawning migrations within the river system. Reproduction is concentrated in the warmer, higher-rainfall part of the year, and spawning is associated with seasonal river conditions rather than static aquarium parameters.

Egg & Fry Care

Like other migratory pimelodids it does not give parental care; eggs and larvae rely on river flow for transport and development. There is no documented aquarium fry-rearing method for this species.