A huge Royal plec (Panaque nigrolineatus) donated to Bristol Aquarium by a local couple has been settling into a new life in the attraction's 60,000 l. Amazonian display.
The 60cm/2' long fish, which the anonymous donors had cared for for over 20 years, was offered to the aquarium along with eight other South American species after the fish loving couple felt they were no longer able to provide the fish with the care and attention they needed.
David Waines, general manager at the popular harbour-side attraction said: "These particular fish were extremely well looked after and were living in large tanks. The couple simply felt they couldn't continue caring for them properly and wanted them to go somewhere they could live out the rest of their lives and be seen by other people".
Bristol's Amazonian display tank is home to a variety of large, potential 'tank buster' fish including other catfish species and Pacu as well as terrapins and turtles – the majority of which have either been rescued or re-homed.
"As well as showcasing some truly awesome fish we're hoping our Amazon display will also be a useful tool to help the public visualise the size a 'cute' baby catfish will eventually grow to," added David.
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