The ripsaw catfish or cuiu cuiu is a species of thorny catfish native to the Amazon, Essequibo and São Francisco basins in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru and Venezuela. This species grows to a length of 100 centimetres SL and weights up to 13 kilograms. The ripsaw catfish is a large, South American catfish that occupies various regions within the Amazonian River system. The ripsaw catfish will reach a length of three feet, featuring a unique set of scutes (bony plates) that run horizontally along the lateral line. Being a large South American catfish, ample filtration should be provided. The ripsaw catfish should be kept in an aquarium of at least 150 gallons.