Sturgeon catfish

The Sturgeon catfish, often confused due to its name, is not a commonly discussed species in typical home aquarium circles. These fish, typically known for their grayish-black color and elongated bodies adorned with scutes rather than scales, mimic the appearance of their namesake, the sturgeon, rather than typical catfish. Originating from river systems in South America, they possess a prehistoric look with a streamlined shape, making them quite distinctive. Despite their striking appearance, Sturgeon catfish are not frequently mentioned in the aquarium hobby, likely due to their size and specific care requirements, rendering them less popular among casual fishkeepers. Their rarity in the hobby might also be attributed to confusion with actual sturgeons or due to the broad and diverse group of species categorized under catfish, where many smaller and more colorful varieties tend to dominate the interest of enthusiasts.