Surubims

Length Category:  Large (>100 cm)

Trophic Level:  Predator-fish

Migratory Pattern:  Medium Distance (100-1,000 km)

Spawning Period:  Low + Rising

Export Market:  International (outside South America)

Market Status:  First class

Catch Distribution:

Surubim potential yield was estimated to be 5,950 tons. Four fishery regions accounted for 88% of potential yield: Brazilian-Colombian-Peruvian Border (34%), Central Amazon (22%), Peruvian Amazon (19%) and Lower Amazon (12%).

Natural History Notes:

The surubim commercial fish group includes Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum, P. reticulatum and P. tigrinum. These fishes are largely piscivores and their migratory patterns are complex. The Rio Amazonas and each of its main tributaries appear to have slightly different migratory patterns, though none of these have been studied in detail.