What is a Piraiba catfish?

The Piraiba catfish is the largest of the Amazon catfish species. Also known by its scientific name, Brachyplaystoma filamentosum, the fish may reach up to 9 feet in length and weigh 450 pounds or more. It is surprisingly athletic for its large size.

The fish is found primarily in the Amazon, Orinoco and Essequibo river basins in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Venezuela. The lateral body of the species is silvery gray with a slightly darker dorsal and white abdomen. An opportunistic carnivore, the Piraiba prefers the deep holes of fast water environments and alters its habits based on food availability.