VULTURE (MOTA) CATFISH

The Vulture Catfish is a common species throughout much of the Amazon, typically in shallow waters where it often scavenges on discarded fish from fishing boats and villages. Despite its relatively small mouth, it has a powerful bite and is thought to actively attack weak or injured larger fish in nature. In the aquarium, it has a well-deserved reputation for being aggressive and so it should only be kept with hardy, fast-moving tankmates. A powerful swimmer, this fish prefers clear, well-oxygenated water with plenty of current.

Vulture Catfish (Calophysus macropterus)

Origin: Wild Peru
Locale: Rio Amazonas outside Iquitos
Diet: Predator and fish eater. Will accept sinking frozen and prepared foods in the aquarium
Adult Size: 20″
Recommended Tank Size: 150 gallons
Compatibility: Predatory and often aggressive, even with larger tankmates.

Preferred Water Parameters
pH:                          6.0 – 7.5
Temp:                     78-82F
Ammonia:              0ppm
Nitrite:                    0ppm
Nitrate:                  <30ppm