Zungaro zungaro

Zungaro zungaro (Humboldt, 1821)

Zungaro zungaro

Michael Goulding

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Common names

  • Bolivia: Bagre
  • Brazil: Jaú, pacamum
  • Colombia: Pacamú, Pejenegro
  • Ecuador: Sapote
  • Peru: Zúngaro, Cunchi mama, Zúngaro Negro

Summary

The yellow zúngaro is a large predatory catfish of the Amazon basin. It mainly inhabits river channels and undertakes medium-distance migrations associated with its feeding and reproductive cycles. Historically it was considered a taboo species in Amazonian gastronomy, although its commercial use increased with the development of refrigeration plants that began incorporating it into the fishery market.

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Teleostei
  • Order: Siluriformes
  • Family: Primelodidae
  • Genus: Zungaro
  • Taxon category: Genus

Distribution

Potential yellow zúngaro production is estimated at 1,300 tonnes. The Brazil–Peru–Colombia Border region concentrates 53% of catches, followed by the Peruvian Amazon (23%), the Central Amazon (13%) and the Lower Amazon (7%). It undertakes medium-distance migrations between 100 and 1,000 km

Threat status

Least Concern (LC) IUCN

Reproduction

The spawning period occurs during the dry season and the beginning of the rising-water season.

Feeding

Fish predator.

Habitat

(Not available)

Uses, management and conservation

It is a species harvested by Amazonian commercial fishing and classified as second commercial class. Its market extends beyond the Amazon, reaching national distribution. Traditionally it had limited acceptance in some Amazonian regions due to cultural taboos associated with its consumption, a situation that has gradually changed with the strengthening of commercial and refrigeration chains.

References

(Not available)