Review of the large catfish fisheries in the upper Amazon and the stock depletion of piraiba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum Lichtenstein)

In this paper we describe the present status of the large migratory catfish fisheries in the Upper Amazon. We present biological information about the main species and we give strong evidence that the stock of piraiba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum), the largest catfish in the Amazon Basin is probably over-exploited. In conclusion, we raise some hypotheses about the causes and prospects for the future.