Skip to product information
1 of 1

Rob's Aquatics Fish Shop

True Piraiba Catfish (Brachyplatystoma Filamentosum) 3"

True Piraiba Catfish (Brachyplatystoma Filamentosum) 3"

Regular price $150.00
Regular price $225.00 Sale price $150.00
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

⚔️ True Piraíba Catfish (3”) – The Apex Predator of the Amazon, Now in Your Aquarium

Introducing one of the most legendary freshwater giants in the aquarium hobby—the True Piraíba Catfish (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum). At just 3 inches, these rare juveniles are your chance to raise a monster fish from the ground up, eventually growing into a massive apex predator known for its sheer power, presence, and rarity.

Native to the deep, fast-moving waters of the Amazon River, the Piraíba is the largest catfish species in South America, capable of surpassing 6 feet in the wild. While most hobbyists won’t reach those extremes in captivity, this fish is still capable of hitting 3 to 4 feet in large indoor systems—making it a true trophy species for experienced aquarists and public aquaria.

🐟 Species Profile:

  • Scientific Name: Brachyplatystoma filamentosum

  • Common Name: True Piraíba, Goliath Catfish

  • Size: 3 inches juvenile (can reach 48–72+ inches as adult)

  • Temperament: Predatory, powerful, solitary

  • Tank Size: 1,000+ gallons recommended for long-term care

  • Water Parameters: 76–84°F | pH 6.5–7.5 | Strong current and pristine filtration

  • Diet: Carnivore – feeds on fish, shrimp, fillets, carnivore pellets, and cut seafood


⚠️ Important Notes:

This is not a community fish. Piraíbas are apex predators with lightning-fast strikes, immense strength, and long lifespans. They require:

  • Monster tank or pond setups

  • Reinforced lids and wide swimming lanes

  • Large-volume filtration and oxygenation

This species is not a hybrid or aquarium-bred variant. It is the true wild-type Brachyplatystoma filamentosum—recognized by its elongated body, distinctive head shape, and filamentous extensions on the caudal fin as it matures.


🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each True Piraíba Catfish is:

  • Hand-selected from expert importers of verified wild lineage

  • Conditioned and eating prepared foods

  • Shipped live with our Live Arrival Guarantee

  • Ideal for public aquarium displays, custom monster tanks, or serious collectors

This is one of the rarest and most elite freshwater predators available in the aquarium trade.


📦 Extremely limited availability – these rarely show up at this size. Secure your 3” True Piraíba now and start raising a river monster—only at RobsAquatics.com.

View full details