Zorro catfish
Platystomatichthys sturio
Also known as Sturio Catfish, Sturgeon Cat
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 15.7 in
- 40 cm
- Minimum tank
- 120 gal
- 455 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Very rare
- Family
- Pimelodidae
- Origin
- Peru
Overview
The Zorro catfish is a slender, predatory catfish for a long tank with strong current. It is best left to experienced keepers.
Did you know
The Zorro catfish is named for its dashing looks. Its long upturned snout is shaped like a saber, and its barbels trail far behind its body. It is also sold as the sturgeon catfish, since the curved snout recalls a sturgeon, though the two are not related.
Caring for the Zorro catfish
Give a Zorro catfish a long tank of at least 120 gal (455 L), and a roomier one for a full-grown adult. A smooth sand bed, open channels for swimming, a few caves and a little sturdy wood suit it.
It loves current and swims against it by nature, so give it strong, well-oxygenated flow from a powerful filter or powerhead. Brisk water movement keeps it active and healthy. Keep the water warm and soft, at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
In the wild it eats live fish, but most learn to accept strips of fish, prawn and earthworms in time. Persistence beats live feeders.
Keep it as a single specimen. It is mostly peaceful toward tank mates too large to eat, but it is a fish-eater and will take smaller companions. Choose big, fast, calm species. It is not known to breed in home aquariums.
Good to know
The Zorro catfish is one of the river pims, the long-whiskered catfishes of the family Pimelodidae. It faces into the current and uses its sensitive snout and barbels to find small prey along the bottom.
In the wild
The Zorro catfish comes from the Amazon basin, particularly Peru. It lives in the current of large, fast-flowing rivers there.
Common questions
What size tank does a Zorro catfish need?
A Zorro catfish needs at least 120 gal (455 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Zorro catfish need?
A Zorro catfish is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a Zorro catfish eat?
A Zorro catfish eats live fish in the wild, but most learn to take strips of fish, prawn and earthworms in time. Patience works better than live feeders.
How big does a Zorro catfish get?
An adult Zorro catfish reaches about 15.7 in (40 cm).
Related species
19.7 in (50 cm)190 gal (720 L)73–86°F (23–30°C)Duckbill catfish
Sorubim lima
19.7 in (50 cm) · 190 gal (720 L)
12.2 in (31 cm)143 gal (540 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)Ornate pimelodus
Pimelodus ornatus
12.2 in (31 cm) · 143 gal (540 L)
11.8 in (30 cm)106 gal (400 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Four-line pimelodus
Pimelodus albofasciatus
11.8 in (30 cm) · 106 gal (400 L)
23.6 in (60 cm)185 gal (700 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)Reticulated catfish
Perrunichthys perruno
23.6 in (60 cm) · 185 gal (700 L)
23.6 in (60 cm)396 gal (1,500 L)72–79°F (22–26°C)Sailfin pim
Leiarius pictus
23.6 in (60 cm) · 396 gal (1,500 L)
15.7 in (40 cm)120 gal (455 L)75–84°F (24–29°C)Vulture catfish
Calophysus macropterus
15.7 in (40 cm) · 120 gal (455 L)