Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

---

Common name: tiger catfish

Synonyms and Other Names: barred sorubim, barred shovelnose, bagre rayado, pintadillo

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Identification: A revision of the genus Pseudoplatystoma and key to eight recognized species given in Buitrago-Suárez and Burr (2007).

Size: to 90 cm TL; max weight 70 kg.

Native Range: South America: Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, including the Essequibo and Suriname rivers (Buitrago-Suárez and Burr 2007).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Ecology: Lives in rivers and streams, as well as flooded areas of forest during rainy seasons. This species is a nocturnal predator, feeding on fishes (loricariid catfishes, cichlids, and characoids) and crabs (Burgess 1989).

Means of Introduction: Probable aquarium release.

Status: Failed.

Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.

Remarks: Species of Pseudoplatystoma are harvested in both commercial and ornamental fisheries in South America. However, recent taxonomic revision of the genus by Buitrago-Suárez and Burr (2007) makes assessment of impact on the eight recognized species of Pseudoplatystoma difficult. Juvenile Pseudoplatystoma are widely sold as aquarium fishes, but at a size where positive identification is not possible. It is likely that multiple species are sold as P. tigrinum or P. fasciatum (Buitrago-Suárez and Burr 2007).

Photograph of the specimen reported from Illinois does not allow for accurate species identification, and could represent a different species of Pseudoplatystoma.

References: (click for full references)

Buitrago-Suárez,  U.A., and B.M. Burr. 2007. Taxonomy of the catfish genus Pseudoplatystoma Bleeker (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) with recognition of eight species. Zootaxa 1512:1-38.

Burgess, W.E. 1989. an atlas of freshwater and marine catfishes. A preliminary survey fothe Siluriformes. T.F.H. Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Guerin, M. 2009. Tiger Shovelnose Catfish Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum [online]. Available at http://www.thejump.net/id/tiger-shovelnose-catfish.htm.

Le Bail, P.-Y., P. Keith, and P. Planquette. 2000. Atlas des poissons d'eau douce de Guyane (tome 2, fascicule II). Publications scientifiques du Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, France.

Other Resources:
US Fish and Wildlife Service Ecological Risk Screening Summary for Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum

Author: Neilson, M.E.

Peer Review Date: 6/7/2012

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.