NIGER

Found throughout many of the major river systems of northern South America. It’s been recorded from Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Peru, Bolivia and Brazil in the Rio São Francisco and Rio Essequibo basins, amongst others. A population is also thought to exist in the Rio Orinoco.

Size

36″ (90cm) – unlikely to attain this size in captivity.

Tank conditions

8′ x 2′ x 4′ (240cm x 60cm x 120cm) – 1700 litres as a minmum for a single adult fish. Bear in miond this species does better as part of a group. Consideration should be given to a tropical pond.

Maintenance

Will appreciate cover in the form of rockwork, roots and bogwood. Plants can also be used but ensure plenty swimming space is also provided. As with most large fish, decent filtration is required to ensure water quality is maintained at optimum levels. Dimmed lighting will encourage the fish to venture out into the open

Water Conditions

Temperature: 70 – 77°F (21 – 25°C) – although can be found in warmer waters in the wild.

pH: 6.0 – 7.0

Hardness: Up to 20°H

Diet

An omnivorous detrivore. Wild fish consume anything edible they find as they sift through the substrate, although a large proportion of the diet is composed of benthic crustaceans and the larval forms of various insects. Will accept most aquarium foods. Ensure vegetable matter and live or frozen foods form a regular part of the diet.

Behaviour

Gentle giant. Keep with other large peaceful species such as other large cats, arowana and large characins such as pacu and silver dollars. May eat fish small enough to fit in its mouth.