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Angler's Guide to Amazon Catfish
Sorubim—Psuedoplatystoma tigrinum—Valenciennes, 1840
If a catfish can be called beautiful, this is the one. Sorubim boast an elegant pattern composed of hieroglyphic black markings on a silver gray background dorsally and stark white ventrally. The common name sorubim is used for several similarly shaped species in the genus. Body markings, typical habitat and maximum size differ. P. tigrinum (shown above) is commonly encountered by anglers in Amazon lowland, highland and Guyana shield fisheries.
ID Key: Flattened head, elongate body and large terminal mouth as in other Sorubim. Silvery gray upper body with heiroglyphic markings dorsally, and tiger stripes laterally.
| Bars and Markings | Colors | Size | Key Characters | Similar Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A beautiful catfish uniquely patterned with heiroglyphic black markings dorsally, blending into black tiger stripes laterally. Fin markings continue from body, evolving into spots toward margins. | Body silver gray on dorsum, changing abruptly to white on ventral sides. Abdomen white. | Adults: specimens up to 1 meter in length and over 100 pounds have been reported. | Flattened head "Heiroglyphic" markings |
The genus contains eight recognised species, Although all are similarly elongate, many are uniquely marked and have separate ranges. |
| Known Range | Behavior Notes | Habitat | Common Names | IGFA records |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries: Brazil, Peru, Guyana, Ecuador, Bolivia, Suriname, Columbia, Venezuela, Argentina River Basins: Amazon, Orinoco, Essequibo, Corantijn, and Parana drainages |
Primarily feeding on fishes, P. fasciatum is readily encountered with cut bait on shallow sandbars in river channels. Although mostly an evening and nocturnal feeder, anglers are often surprised by large sorubim attacking artificial lures in open water at any time of day. | Primarily occupies lotic (moving water) environments in blackwater river systems. | English: Barred Shovelnose Local: Sorubim, suribim, cachara Other: Bagre rayado |
35 lbs. 10 oz. |
Fishing Tactics
In addition to being a great angler's target, the barred sorubim is a pleasant adjunct to any fishery. Its habit of attacking artificial lures and then fighting like whiskered tuna, makes it endearing to peacock bass anglers and catfishermen alike. In most high gradient fisheries sorubim can be targeted by anglers at evening time. They tend to congregate and forage at the edges of shallow beaches with nearby drop-offs to deeper water. Small live bait or pieces of cut bait are equally effective when cast onto the beach and allowed to drift naturally to the nearby drop-off. An effective rig consists of a 10/0 to 14/0 circle hook (or smaller J hook) with a wire leader and relatively light sinker (approx. 1 oz.), enough to keep it down while still allowing the current to slowly carry it. The take is usually quite forceful. Once hooked, sorubim will fight in open water with strong runs and surprising stamina.
Other Sorubim
Pintado - Psuedoplatystoma corruscans - up to 1.5 meter
This larger catfish is found outside the Amazon in the Pantanal and the Sao Francisco and Parana river basins
(Illustration from "Peixes do Pantanal" - Embrapa - poster)
Giant Amazon Catfish
Catfish Game Species
Catfish Trips
More Catfish Info
Catfish Articles
Find out about other Amazon fish groups
When you Travel With Acute Angling, It's Much More Than Just Fishing
Imagine casting your line into the mysterious and beautiful black waters of the Brazilian Amazon. Then imagine the explosive strike of one of the biggest Peacock Bass you've ever seen. Then picture yourself fighting and landing the world's greatest freshwater gamefish and the trophy you've been dreaming of. Imagine doing this for days on end, without intrusive interruptions, or hurrying off because you've run out of time.
With Acute Angling, you can experience the ultimate in peacock bass fishing trips. For over fifteen years, Acute Angling has been providing the very best fishing excursions in South America.
We've done all the research so you don't have to. From start to finish, we are there every step of the way to make sure you have the best sportfishing experience of your lifetime. We are there fishing with you and we'll help with techniques, tackle tips, and a full array of extras not found with run-of-the-mill fishing travel agencies or other outfitters.
We've investigated and studied the regions we'll be taking you to, so our knowledge will help you have an unparalleled experience. Acute Angling handles your complete travel program…from air travel, to entry visa, to pre-trip preparation and even travel insurance. Combine that with our specialized tackle packages and you'll have nothing to worry about except catching trophy peacock bass. Let us handle the details.
Now, just imagine it one more time: Holding up that incredible peacock bass that YOU wrestled out of the wild jungle-framed waters. Taking the photo and then releasing the beautiful animal back to the wild. Doesn't that feel good?
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