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
The streaked prochilodus is a giant grazing fish for a pond or a very large tank. Realistically it is a project for public aquariums and dedicated large-fish keepers, not a typical home tank.
Did you know
The streaked prochilodus is known locally as sabalo or curimbata. It forms enormous spawning runs that support major river fisheries across southern South America.
Caring for the streaked prochilodus
Streaked prochilodus are sometimes sold small, but they grow into powerful, active giants. Plan for a tank or pond of at least 396 gal (1,500 L). They are restless, messy grazers that demand heavy filtration and strong flow.
Keep the water at 68 to 79°F (20 to 26°C), with a pH of 6.0 to 7.8. They are peaceful with fish too large to bother, but choose tank mates with caution.
Good to know
The streaked prochilodus, Prochilodus lineatus, is a large migratory food fish in the family Prochilodontidae. At the extreme, it reaches 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.
In the wild
The streaked prochilodus lives in large rivers and floodplain lakes of the Parana and Paraguay systems in subtropical South America. It feeds on detritus and the muddy biofilm of the riverbed, playing a big role in the river food web.
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).
Related species
17.3 in (44 cm)264 gal (1,000 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Orinoco flagtail prochilodus
Semaprochilodus laticeps
17.3 in (44 cm) · 264 gal (1,000 L)
13.8 in (35 cm)135 gal (510 L)73–84°F (23–29°C)Kissing prochilodus
Semaprochilodus insignis
13.8 in (35 cm) · 135 gal (510 L)
11.8 in (30 cm)159 gal (600 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Flagtail prochilodus
Semaprochilodus taeniurus
11.8 in (30 cm) · 159 gal (600 L)
23.6 in (60 cm)396 gal (1,500 L)61–77°F (16–25°C)Emperor round-face barb
Cyprinion semiplotum
23.6 in (60 cm) · 396 gal (1,500 L)
23.6 in (60 cm)238 gal (900 L)64–79°F (18–26°C)Stracheyi mahseer
Neolissochilus stracheyi
23.6 in (60 cm) · 238 gal (900 L)
20.9 in (53 cm)264 gal (1,000 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Red-tail brycinus
Brycinus macrolepidotus
20.9 in (53 cm) · 264 gal (1,000 L)