FOXTAIL CATFISH (STURIO)

Scientific Name: Platystomatichthys Sturio

Common Name: Zorro Catfish, Sturio Catfish, Sturgeon Catfish, Fox Catfish


Endemic to: The fast flowing rivers of the Amazon River Basin


Size: This fish gets to be around 17 inches (43.2 cm) including the caudal fin, with the barbels making the fish much longer (closer to 30 inches)


Tank Size: A single adult specimen should be kept in a minimum of a 220 (72”x30”x24” inches) gallon (833 liter, 183x76x61 cm) to keep it healthy and happy, a larger tank would be better as this fish can damage it’s snout on the glass and other decorations (note the tank must be atleast 30 inches (76 cm) wide to allow turning room for the fish as the fish can easily damage it’s sensitive snout). Most of these fish in captivity end up getting damaged, upturned snouts because they are kept in too small of a tank, and the fact this fish is very skittish and easily startled by sudden noises, sudden movements, sudden light, and aggression from tankmates makes the problem even worse.

Water Parameters: This fish likes a pH of 6-7.5 with softer water, a good way to do this is to have driftwood and other botanicals (almond leaves, seed pods, alder cones, etc.) in the tank (note the pH should be kept stable as sudden changes can result in severe stress for the fish). The temperature should be within the 70-77 F range (21-25). Like with all fish, this fish needs a tank with no ammonia, no nitrite, and less than 20 ppm of nitrates.


Temperament: This fish is relatively peaceful towards larger tankmates, though it will eat smaller fish that will fit in it’s mouth, so no fish under 6 inches (15 cm)


Diet: This fish is an omnivore and should be fed a mix of meaty items (both live and frozen, though live feeders are not necessary and are only suitable if you raise them on your own and make sure they are gutloaded and disease/parasite free), plant matter , and a high quality pellet (both carnivore and herbivore), good brands include Northfin, New Life Spectrum, Hikari, and Omega One.


Tank Set Up: The ideal tank setup would be a tank of 220+ gallons (833 liters)with plenty of water movement. The tank should have some cover and hiding spots in the form of rocks, driftwood, and plants but make sure the fish has plenty of space to swim, move, and turn. The fish likes to swim in one spot against the current, so it is recommended to have a strong filter or powerhead point in one direction going the length of the tank.Tankmates: Any medium sized fish (6-12 inches or 15-30.5 cm) that is not overly aggressive that is native to the Amazon RiverBasin and surrounding areas, some good tankmates include geophagus cichlids, larger rainbow fish, jewel cichlids, keyhole cichlids, Jaupuri cichlids, firemouth cichlids, chocolate cichlids, the flag cichlid, and the cupid cichlid.