Spotted sorubim
A large South American catfish known for its spotted pattern and commercial value.
The spotted sorubim is a large freshwater catfish native to the La Plata and São Francisco river basins in South America. It is widely harvested for food due to its boneless meat and is listed as Near Threatened by conservation groups.
- Reaches up to 200 cm in length and 120 kg in weight.
- Native to the La Plata and São Francisco river basins.
- Listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN since 2023.
- Meat is valued for lacking intramuscular bones.
- Hybrids with P. reticulatum are sold as cachapinta.
What it is
The spotted sorubim is a large long-whiskered catfish with a dark olive brown back and a cream or white belly. Its body is fusiform, meaning it tapers at both ends, which helps it swim quickly. The skin is covered in extensive spotting that extends onto the fins. Two pairs of barbels protrude from its jaw, helping it sense prey in murky water. Females typically grow larger than males, reaching weights of up to 120 kilograms.
Where it lives
This species lives in the La Plata and São Francisco river basins across Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It inhabits various freshwater environments including rivers, lakes, and floodplains. The fish is potamodromous, meaning it migrates within freshwater systems rather than moving between sea and river. Fossil evidence suggests it has been present in these regions since the late Pleistocene epoch.
How it lives
Spotted sorubim are nocturnal predators that hunt at night or in low-visibility conditions. They rely on their barbels to stalk prey before striking rapidly with their caudal fin. Their diet consists mainly of other fish. During non-migratory seasons, males tend to stay in fast-flowing rivers while females prefer nearby lakes. Some individuals remain resident in one area, though this behavior is not fully understood.
Breeding and life cycle
Reproduction occurs between October and January when fish migrate upstream to nursery areas. Females release hundreds of thousands of eggs, which are fertilized externally by competing males. There is no parental care after spawning. Larvae hatch at about 4.5 millimeters and move to floodplains to mature. Males reach sexual maturity around three years old, while females mature slightly earlier at two and a half years.
Fish and people
The spotted sorubim is culturally significant in Brazil and other parts of South America as a food source. Its meat is prized for being free of intramuscular bones and having a pleasant texture. In the food industry, hybrids between this species and Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum are called cachapinta and sold as fillets or pâté. Researchers are also exploring its use in gluten-free patties.
Status and threats
The International Union for Conservation of Nature lists the species as Near Threatened. Populations have declined due to heavy fishing pressure and habitat fragmentation caused by dams. While some commercial fishing bans exist during breeding seasons, enforcement is limited. Aquaculture practices pose additional risks, as escaped hybrid fish can threaten the genetic integrity of wild populations through interbreeding.
Questions people ask about Spotted sorubim
What does the spotted sorubim eat?
It is a piscivore, meaning it primarily eats other fish. It hunts at night or in murky water, using its barbels to detect prey before striking. It may also consume other small aquatic organisms when available.
How big do spotted sorubim get?
They can reach a total length of 160 to 200 centimetres. Females are generally larger than males, with recorded weights up to 120 kilograms. Fishermen in the Pantanal region have reported specimens exceeding 200 centimetres.
Is the spotted sorubim endangered?
It is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Main threats include overfishing, dam construction causing habitat fragmentation, and silting. Escaped farmed hybrids also pose a risk to wild genetic diversity.
Why is it popular in South American cuisine?
Its meat is highly regarded because it lacks intramuscular bones, making it easy to eat. It is often prepared as fillets or pâté. Hybrids with related species are marketed under the name cachapinta.
Good reading and sources
- Pseudoplatystoma corruscans on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Pseudoplatystoma corruscans", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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