Brachyplathystoma filamentosum
Freshwater fish, goliath catfish is found in the Amazon Basin and can only be called filhote (literally “young offspring”) when its weighs less 110 pounds. Adult fish, which are heavier than that, are called piraíba in Portuguese. They can reach 10 feet in length and weigh up to 330 pounds. Goliath catfish has a firm flesh with delicate flavor, which can be used for several preparation methods: roasting, frying, grilling, stewing and braising. Trying this fish in all sorts of dishes is a privilege of those who live in the North region of Brazil, as the fish is not easily found in other markets around the country. Because of the spawning season, fishing is prohibited from November to March.
