Origin
Native to the rivers and floodplains of the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo basins in South America. Often found in slow to moderate-flow waters with submerged wood and rock.

Visual & Behavioral Appeal
It features a broad, armored body with a striking pattern of golden spots over a dark base. Its massive sail-like dorsal fin extends when resting or during territorial displays, adding a prehistoric and majestic feel to the aquarium.

Purpose
Acts as an algae and detritus grazer while adding motion to the bottom zone. Helps clean surfaces and offers visual weight in large layouts.

Importance
Highly resilient and able to tolerate variable water conditions. While beautiful, its size demands careful planning. A good fit for show tanks, educational displays, or monster fish setups.

Included Resources
Needs a spacious tank with driftwood, rocks, and shaded areas. Strong filtration is essential due to high waste output. Sand or rounded gravel helps prevent injury to barbels and mouth.

Best Use Cases
Best suited for very large community tanks, cichlid tanks, or public aquarium setups. Avoid in planted tanks unless rooted plants are well-established or protected.

Conservation Context
Wild-caught specimens are still common, and released individuals have become invasive in regions like Florida, the Philippines, and parts of India. Always prevent escape or release.

Ideal Aquatic Species
• Oscars and large cichlids
• Silver dollars
• Bichirs and arowanas
• Giant danios and tinfoil barbs
• Other large plecos or armored catfish

Region (A)
• Latitude: -3.1190° S
• Longitude: -60.0217° W
(Manaus, Brazil — central Amazon basin)

Region (B)
• Latitude: 6.2518° N
• Longitude: -62.8500° W
(Caura River, Venezuela — Orinoco tributary)