Brachyplatystoma Rousseauxii

Datasheet

General Description

The Brachyplatystoma Rousseauxii, commonly known as Dourada, is characterized by its uniformly silvery-white color pattern in both juveniles and adults, with a deeply-forked caudal fin. It can be distinguished from other species by specific external features such as the length of the eye in relation to the snout, the positioning of the maxillary barbels, and the shape of the caudal peduncle. Belonging to the family Pimelodidae and classified under the order Siluriformes, this species is known for being piscivorous, preying on loricariids and other bottom-dwelling fishes in its natural habitat.

Aquarium Setup

For optimal care in captivity, the Dourada requires a tank size of a minimum of 20000 liters. The tank setup should include a sandy substrate and large pieces of driftwood. Water parameters should be maintained within a pH range of 6.0-8.0, with a temperature between 22-28°C and a hardness of 18-357ppm. Additionally, a powerful filtration system and consistent water quality management are essential for the well-being of this species (see table).

Behaviour

The behavior of the Dourada is such that it should only be housed with species large enough to avoid becoming prey to this predatory fish. They are known to migrate extensive distances within nutrient-rich, white water drainages during certain times of the year, primarily for feeding purposes rather than spawning activities.

Feeding and Diet

In the wild, the Dourada primarily feeds on loricariids and other bottom-dwelling fishes. In captivity, they readily adapt to a diet of prawns, shrimp, mussels, squid, whitebait, and larger white fish strips. Adult Douradas can thrive on a single meal per week.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Reproduction of the Dourada has not been documented in captivity due to its intricate natural life cycle. However, in the wild, spawning occurs in distant headwaters, with fry eventually making their way downstream to estuary regions. Sexual dimorphism in this species is not well understood.

Habitat and Distribution

The Dourada is widely distributed throughout the Amazon and Orinoco river drainages, as well as in various fluvial systems in the Guianas and northeastern Brazil. These catfish prefer deeper, flowing channels, particularly during the rising waters of the wet season. It is believed that the Dourada may return to the tributary where they were born to spawn, showcasing a fascinating aspect of their habitat interaction and migratory patterns.