Vulture Catfish, zamurito (Calophysus macropterus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Vulture catfish, Pirate catfish, Zamurito, Piracatinga, Mapurite, Pintadinho, Bagre machete
Family
Pimelodidae (long-whiskered catfishes)
Origin
South America: the Amazon basin, including the Solimões, lower Amazon, Purus and Madeira rivers, in Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Bolivia.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
50 cm
Temperature
24–29°C
pH
6–7.4
Hardness
3–18 dGH (estimated)
Minimum tank
1500 litres
Care level
expert
Temperament
aggressive

Care

The vulture catfish is a strong-swimming scavenger that gathers in large numbers near riverside settlements in the wild. It has special teeth that let it bite chunks of flesh out of other fish, and it is notorious for attacking fish caught on lines or in nets. PlanetCatfish gives a maximum of 50 cm standard length. No source we read gives a tank size, so the 1,500-litre minimum here is an estimate for an adult: it needs a long, wide tank with plenty of open swimming space, strong filtration and several hiding places. It is otherwise adaptable and will live in a sturdy planted tank. PlanetCatfish gives 24–29 °C and pH 6.0–7.4. It has a broad head, eyes set high, flattened barbels that reach past the adipose fin and soft fin rays; the body spotting varies between populations. It was once placed in a family of its own (Calophysidae) because of its unusual teeth and fin positions. It is wise to keep it away from any fish that is injured or weak, which it will target first. Keepers report that some individuals live peacefully with large, robust fish, but this cannot be relied on. Selling: our policies require the adult size and long-term tank needs to be stated clearly in the listing. Large fish must travel by a specialist live-animal courier (see the Livestock shipping guide). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=336). Checked October 2026.

Diet

A scavenging carnivore. Feed meaty foods such as fish, prawns, mussel and earthworms, and good carnivore pellets once it accepts them. Do not overfeed; large adults do not need feeding every day.

Breeding

No aquarium breeding has been reported.

Compatibility and tank mates

Dangerous to most tankmates: it can bite pieces out of other fish, especially injured ones, and can wreck a community. If kept with others, choose large armoured fish such as big loricariids and doradids, or large, robust cichlids, and watch closely. Never keep it with small fish.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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