Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum Breeding Guide

The barred sorubim Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum is a large migratory catfish reproduced commercially with hormone injection, not in home tanks.

Overview

Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum, the barred sorubim, is a large long-whiskered catfish of the family Pimelodidae inhabiting the Essequibo, Corantijn, Orinoco and Amazon river basins. Adults reach up to about 90 cm in total length, with females notably larger than males, and the species is listed by the IUCN as Least Concern.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

Sexual maturity occurs around two years of age, with females maturing near 56 cm and males near 45 cm. The species shows homing behaviour, returning to its natal river, with a mean migratory distance reported around 124 km between dry and rising-water seasons. Breeding is triggered by seasonal flooding: during high flows, eggs are fertilised externally and carried by the current into floodplain nursery habitats.

Commercial Reproduction

In aquaculture, reproduction is induced with hormone injection; using two injections within 24 hours, ovulation occurs after roughly 8 hours at about 27 C. Larvae can be fed freshly hatched brine shrimp from about 48 hours post-hatching, fed frequently to reduce cannibalism. These are controlled facility methods, not home-aquarium practices.