Bleeker's Whale Catfish
NameBleeker's Whale Catfish
Scientific NameParacetopsis bleekeri
Common NamesBleeker's Whale Catfish, Bleeker's Cetopsis
FamilyCetopsidae
OriginSouth America, Amazon Basin, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil
Temperamentaggressive
Dietcarnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)75
Max Size (Inches)10
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)72-80
pH Range6.0-7.5
Compatible SpeciesLarge Characins, Large Cichlids (with caution), Large Loricariids, Other Large Catfish
Description
Paracetopsis bleekeri, commonly known as Bleeker's Whale Catfish, is a predatory freshwater catfish native to the Amazon basin. It is characterized by its elongated, somewhat cylindrical body, often pale coloration, and a relatively large mouth, adapted for opportunistic predation and scavenging. This species requires a specialized setup due to its diet and temperament.
