Tiger catfish

Like most catfish, it is nocturnal and solitary in the wild, although certain species swim actively during the day and move about in schools.

Some species have suffered a loss of vision and grown almost blind, owing to their nocturnal lifestyle or to their habitat, which is sometimes quite turbid. This being the case, their barbels become very important sensory organs, helping the fish detect the presence of prey or other forms of food.

Fishing for them has intensified in recent years given that catfish are much appreciated in local cuisine. But it has to be consumed in moderation, because like all large predatory fish, its flesh contains a significant amount of mercury.

It is also suspected that dams built in the Amazon are harming their seasonal migrations.