Pseudoplatystorma corruscon
THE NAME COULD NOT BE more appropriate, as the body of this catfish with no scales inhabiting the basins of the São Francisco and Paraná-Paraguay rivers is covered with dark spots. Also called surubim in Portuguese, this fish has firm, boneless, white meat, ideal for the classic preparation of Pintado na brasa (chargrilled spotted sorubim), commonly served in many riverside restaurants of the country. In Mato Grosso, one of the traditional dishes is Mojica de pintado, a stew with spotted sorubim and cooked cassava; in Mato Grosso do Sul, Pintado ao urucum is a regional star – the fish is stewed in a coconut milk and mozzarella sauce and served au gratin, with rice and Pirão (fish broth and manioc flour mush).
