The Dourada is a truly massive, highly predatory migratory catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Known for its silvery-gold sheen and the longest freshwater migration of any fish in the world. In captivity, it is a 'monster fish' that requires a massive custom aquarium or indoor pond. It is exclusively piscivorous and will swallow any fish that fits in its immense mouth.
Dourada At a Glance
Dourada Tank Requirements
Will Dourada fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Dourada needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Dourada against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Dourada Water Parameters
Water care products
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Dourada Temperament & Compatibility
Dourada Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
Fully grown adult. Requires a massive custom system, indoor pond, or heated pool. Due to its size and migratory nature, it needs immense swimming space, high oxygenation, and strong water flow.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Dourada, Monster Catfish
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Juvenile stage commonly sold in the trade. Grows incredibly fast. Even at this size, they are highly predatory. Must be housed in a large grow-out tank and moved to a pond rapidly as they quickly outgrow standard aquariums.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Dourada, Grow-out, Juvenile
Dourada Care Guide Summary
The Dourada, scientifically known as Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 180 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Dourada requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 15000 litres and a tank length of at least 600 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
The Dourada is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Dourada Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Dourada, a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Dourada Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Dourada is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dourada
How big does Dourada get?
Dourada (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 180 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Dourada need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 15000 litres and a tank length of at least 600 cm are recommended for Dourada. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Dourada need?
Dourada thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–29°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–15 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Dourada peaceful or aggressive?
Dourada is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Dourada live alone?
Yes, Dourada can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Dourada have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Dourada benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Dourada need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Dourada is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Plants That Suit Dourada
These plants pair well with Dourada based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Fish Similar to Dourada
Arapaima
Arapaima gigas
One of the largest true freshwater fish in the world, native to the Amazon basin. Arapaima are obligate air-breathers and extreme predators. Due to their massive adult size and explosive growth rate, they are almost entirely unsuited for home aquaria and require highly specialized, heated, pond-sized enclosures.
Red-Tail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
A massive, fast-growing predatory catfish from the Amazon basin. Famous for its voracious appetite, bulldozer-like behavior, and distinct red caudal fin. Due to its enormous adult size (often exceeding 4 feet), it is strictly a 'monster fish' that requires a heated indoor pond or a colossal custom aquarium. It is highly predatory and will swallow absolutely any tank mate that can fit into its cavernous mouth.
Wels Catfish (European Catfish)
Silurus glanis
The Wels Catfish is a massive, highly predatory freshwater fish native to Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. As one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, it is wholly unsuited for standard home aquariums and requires a heavy-duty heated indoor pond or massive custom setup. They are highly opportunistic predators that will swallow any tank mate that fits into their enormous mouths.
Achara Catfish
Leiarius marmoratus
A massive, striking Pimelodid catfish from South America. Known for its beautiful marbled pattern and remarkably long barbels. As a strictly predatory 'monster fish', it requires a gargantuan aquarium and massive filtration. While generally peaceful towards fish too large to swallow, it will eat anything that fits into its capacious mouth. Bare-bottom or soft sand is required to prevent fatal ingestion of gravel.
Striped Raphael Catfish
Platydoras armatulus
A highly robust, armored catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins. Famous for their ability to produce audible squeaking or grunting sounds when distressed or defending territory. They are nocturnal scavengers that spend most of the day hiding in driftwood or caves. Note: Their rigid pectoral spines can easily become tangled in standard aquarium nets.
Freshwater Shark (Wallago)
Wallago attu
An apex predator native to South and Southeast Asia, infamous for its immense size, huge mouth, and voracious predatory nature. It will consume any tank mate that fits into its capacious mouth and is known to bite aggressively when handled. This species is utterly unsuitable for standard home aquariums and requires an enormous custom pond or public aquarium setup.