Vulture Catfish

About

A boldly named fish from the Amazon and Orinoco basins, Calophysus macropterus goes by Vulture Catfish in the trade, and that name earns its keep. This is a species infamous among South American fishermen for targeting fish already caught in nets or on trotlines, sometimes holding on so tenaciously that it ends up hauled out of the water alongside its meal. In the wild it gravitates toward dead, dying, and injured animals, filling a scavenger role that few other catfish occupy as aggressively. It grows into a substantial fish, reaching well over a foot in length, and has the body to match its attitude. Torpedo-shaped, with broad pectoral fins and a wide, capable mouth. In captivity the aggression is real and consistent, so tankmates need to be chosen very carefully, ideally fish large enough that they aren't viewed as an easy meal. The tank footprint required to house one properly is enormous, which is the biggest barrier most hobbyists face. Despite all that, it is considered manageable for keepers who can actually meet its space requirements and have experience handling aggressive large predatory fish. It is a long-lived animal, so the commitment here is serious and very much worth thinking through before purchase.