AMAZON CATFISH

It is estimated that there are more than a 1,000 catfish species of the Amazon/Orinoco watersheds. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes (see two examples above). It is widely acknowledged that some of these Amazon catfish species are among the most powerful gamefish in the world.

 

 

PIRAIBA

The largest catfish species in the Amazon is known as the giant Amazon catfish (seen at left) or Piraiba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum). According to the late world renowned marine scientist and conservationist Jacques Cousteau, the pirabila is the largest scaleless or leather skinned fish in Brazil, reaching 3 meters (10 feet) in length and weighing up to 600 kgs. (approx. 1,200 lbs). The largest specimens are literally unstoppable on all but the strongest saltwater gear.  They are typically dark gray in color.
The heads of the piraiba are enormous and they have small black eyes. They are typically found in deep holes of the river channel or where two rivers or a river and large creek converge. Anglers have their best success fishing for them from late afternoon through the night, but they have been taken at any time during the day.  They will consume large live or cut baits. The smaller version of the piraiba (seen at left) is called filhote (meaning youngster). 

 

The Redtail catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus), also called pirarara, although not reaching the gargantuan proportions as the piraiba, is equally as challenging and specimens in excess of 100 lbs have been landed in nets and on hooks with cut-bait or live bat.. This species is stypically blackish with beautiful red highlights to its tail and fins and a whitish ventral surface. The redtail catfish will occasionally be caught on lures while fishing for peacock bass – typically on jerkbaits. Using cutbait on the bottom, with a heavy sinker to keep the bait from being washed away from the current, however, is the preferred choice of local guides. The redtail catfish is best targeted within deeper holes along the main river channel during the late afternoon or evening hours.

 

The Sorubim does not grow to the massive proportions of the piraiba and pirarara, but is a worthy adversary on peacock bass tackle. There are three species of Sorubim catfish that you might find on the end of your line on the Unini River, the striped (Psuedoplatystoma fasciatum), tiger (Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum), and spotted (Pseudoplatystoma coruscans) varieties.  Since their color patterns are so varied, it is often difficult to tell them apart.  They all pretty much display a darkened gray dorsal side. This gives way to ornate black markings of stripes, bars and speckles on a white flank. Although they possess long and sensitive barbels to help search for food along the bottom, this species is quite aggressive throughout the water column and will readily assaults the plugs of anglers when they are fishing for peacock bass. Of course, they will readily take cut bait off the bottom as well.  The world record is over 40 pounds.