Phractocephalus hemioliopterus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801)
Michael Goulding
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Common names
- Bolivia: (Common names not yet available)
- Brazil: Cajaro, Pirarara, Ouarara, Parauruima
- Colombia: Pirarara, Guacamayo, Músico, Cajaro
- Ecuador: Guacamayo-bagre
- Peru: Pez-torre, Bigorilo
Summary
The pez-torre is a large omnivorous fish, associated with flooded forests and different types of Amazonian rivers. It feeds mainly on fruits, crabs and fishes, and its reproduction occurs between the dry season and the start of the rising-water season. Its migratory behavior is not yet fully clear.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Teleostei
- Order: Siluriformes
- Family: Pimelodidae
- Genus: Phractocephalus
- Taxon category: Species
Distribution
Potential pez-torre production is estimated at nearly 900 tonnes. 93% is concentrated at the Brazil-Peru-Colombia Border (42%), Central Amazon (21%), Lower Amazon (17%) and Peruvian Amazon (13%).
Threat status
Least Concern (LC) IUCN
Reproduction
The spawning period corresponds to the dry season and the beginning of the rising-water season. It is unclear whether it undertakes reproductive migrations, although it has been suggested that it may move downstream to spawn in whitewater rivers.
Feeding
It is an omnivorous species that consumes fleshy fruits, crabs and fishes. Fish consumption increases during the low-water season.
Habitat
It feeds on fruits in flooded forests and is associated with blackwater, clearwater and whitewater rivers. Young individuals have not been found in whitewater or blackwater rivers.
Uses, management and conservation
The pez-torre is a second-class fishery resource, with a national market outside the Amazon. Its potential production is close to 900 tonnes.
References
(Not available)