The Sailfin Marble Achara Catfish (Leiarius pictus), also known as the Marbled Pim or Pictus Catfish, is a large and impressive species native to the rivers and tributaries of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. This catfish is admired for its distinctive marbled or spotted appearance and its large, flowing fins, which make it a popular choice for enthusiasts of larger predatory or exotic fish.
### Physical Characteristics:
- **Size**: The Sailfin Marble Achara Catfish is a large species that can grow up to 24-28 inches (60-70 cm) in captivity, and even larger in the wild. Due to its size, it requires a very large aquarium.
- **Coloration**: It has a beautiful marbled or spotted pattern of dark black, brown, and grey, which helps it blend into its natural environment. Its body is long and slender, with a slightly flattened head and a wide mouth.
- **Fins**: One of its most striking features is the elongated, sail-like dorsal fin, which has a tall and prominent appearance. Its pectoral and pelvic fins are also long, giving it a majestic, flowing look when swimming.
### Habitat and Tank Requirements:
- **Tank Size**: Because of its large adult size, a minimum tank of 300 gallons is recommended. Larger is better, as this fish enjoys plenty of space to swim. The tank should also have a large footprint rather than just vertical height, as it is a bottom-dwelling species.
- **Water Parameters**: It prefers tropical freshwater environments with temperatures between 75°F and 82°F (24°C - 28°C). The pH should be kept neutral to slightly acidic, around 6.5-7.5.
- **Tank Setup**: A large tank with plenty of open swimming space is essential, but it should also have hiding spots like caves, driftwood, and rocks, as the Sailfin Marble Achara Catfish can be shy at times. Substrate should be soft and fine to protect its delicate barbels, which it uses to explore the bottom.
### Behavior and Temperament:
- **Semi-aggressive**: While it is generally peaceful toward fish it doesn’t view as prey, the Achara Catfish can be semi-aggressive toward smaller tankmates, particularly at feeding time. It should only be housed with other large, robust species.
- **Predatory**: As a predatory catfish, the Sailfin Marble Achara Catfish will eat smaller fish if they fit into its mouth. It should be kept with similarly sized or larger fish to avoid this.
- **Nocturnal**: This species is most active at night, spending the day hiding and resting in shaded areas of the tank.
### Diet:
- **Carnivorous**: In the wild, the Sailfin Marble Achara Catfish is a voracious carnivore, feeding on small fish, invertebrates, and other animal matter. In captivity, it requires a varied diet of:
- High-quality carnivore pellets
- Live or frozen foods such as shrimp, earthworms, or pieces of fish
- Occasional treats of meaty foods like beef heart or prawns
- It may also consume sinking pellets and meaty preparations made for predatory fish.
### Lifespan:
- With proper care, the Sailfin Marble Achara Catfish can live up to 15 years or more in captivity, making it a long-term commitment for aquarium keepers.
### Breeding:
- Breeding the Sailfin Marble Achara Catfish in captivity is rare and difficult, partly because of its large size and the specific conditions it requires. It’s believed that they dig burrows or spawn in secluded areas in the wild, but there is little documented success in home aquariums.
### Special Considerations:
- **Space Requirement**: This catfish grows quickly and needs a large tank to thrive. It's not recommended for smaller home aquariums, as it will soon outgrow them.
- **Tankmates**: Due to its size and predatory nature, the Sailfin Marble Achara Catfish should only be kept with other large fish that won’t be viewed as prey. Good tankmates include other large South American species like pacu, arowanas, and large cichlids.
In summary, the Sailfin Marble Achara Catfish is a stunning, large predatory species that can be an impressive addition to a large aquarium. However, it requires substantial space, careful tankmate selection, and a diet that caters to its carnivorous nature. Due to its size and long lifespan, it’s a commitment for experienced aquarists looking to house a powerful and captivating fish.
