Brachyplatystoma filamentosum

Brachyplatystoma filamentosum, commonly called piraíba, kumakuma, valentón or lau lau, is a species of catfish of the family Pimelodidae and genus Brachyplatystoma that is native to Amazon and Orinoco River basins and rivers in Guianas and northeastern Brazil.

Distribution
The species is found in rivers and estuaries of Amazon and Orinoco watersheds, Guianas and northeastern Brazil.

Description
It grows to a length of 2.8 m. The largest Amazon piraíba are 2 – 2.5 m long and weigh more than 150 kg. Juveniles exhibit dark body spots or blotches.

It is entirely piscivorous preying on loricariids and other bottom-dwelling fish.

Ecology
Brachyplatystoma filamentosum is found in both freshwater and brackish water systems. The species is a demersal potamodromous fish that commonly inhabits deeper, flowing channels with soft bottoms.

Uses
As a large fish, piraíba are considered to be game fish and commercial fish. They are generally obligate piscivores; however, stomach contents have been found to include parts of monkeys.

Piraíba are sometimes kept in aquaria, although the adults need a very large tank to accommodate their swimming.