Streaked prochilodus
Prochilodus lineatus
Also known as Curimbata, Sabalo, Streamer prochilodus, Curimba
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 68–79°F
- 20–26°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.8
- Adult size
- 23.6 in
- 60 cm
- Minimum tank
- 396 gal
- 1,500 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Social
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Prochilodontidae
- Origin
- Native to the Parana and Paraguay river basins of subtropical South America.
Overview
This fish is sometimes sold small but grows into a powerful, active giant that needs a tank or pond measured in the thousands of liters. It is peaceful with fish too large to bother but is a restless, messy grazer that demands heavy filtration and strong flow. Realistically it is a project for public aquariums and dedicated large fish keepers, not a typical home tank.
In the wild
Lives in large rivers and floodplain lakes of the Parana and Paraguay systems. It feeds on detritus and the muddy biofilm of the riverbed, playing a big role in the river food web. Huge shoals migrate upstream to spawn each year.
Good to know
Prochilodus lineatus is a large migratory food fish that reaches around 60 cm and, at the extreme, up to 80 cm and several kilograms. Its protrusible, sucker like mouth is ringed with fine teeth for scraping food from surfaces. It is one of the most important commercial fish across its range.
Did you know
Known locally as sabalo or curimbata, it forms enormous spawning runs that support major river fisheries across southern South America.
Common questions
What size tank does a Streaked prochilodus need?
A Streaked prochilodus needs at least 396 gal (1,500 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Streaked prochilodus need?
A Streaked prochilodus is comfortable at 68–79°F (20–26°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.8.
How big does a Streaked prochilodus get?
An adult Streaked prochilodus reaches about 23.6 in (60 cm).
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