Fin's Fish Guide
The Black manguruyu (Zungaro zungaro) is a freshwater fish of the family Pimelodidae that grows up to 140 cm.
Description
The gilded catfish is a large predatory catfish from the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America. It can reach 140 cm in length; specimens of 130 cm and around 50 kg are not unusual. The body is heavy and stocky with a broad, flattened head and long barbels. The fish is mostly brown to olive-yellow. It hunts mainly at night for other fish, such as migrating characins, and sometimes enters flooded areas. It is a migratory species that moves upstream to spawn, with juveniles growing up at river mouths. The species is a prized food and game fish and is assessed as Least Concern (LC).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Black manguruyu?
The Black manguruyu has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Large nocturnal predatory catfish; migrates upstream to spawn
Where does the Black manguruyu live?
The Black manguruyu lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Amazon and Orinoco basins
How big does the Black manguruyu get?
The Black manguruyu grows to a maximum of about 140 cm.
Is the Black manguruyu dangerous to humans?
No, the Black manguruyu is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Black manguruyu edible?
Yes, the Black manguruyu is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Pimelodidae
Want the complete picture on the Black manguruyu?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Black manguruyu is one of 12,519 species in the app.