The Vulture Catfish is a common species throughout much of the Amazon, typically in shallow waters where it often scavenges on discarded fish from fishing boats and villages. Despite its relatively small mouth, it has a powerful bite and is thought to actively attack weak or injured larger fish in nature. In the aquarium, it has a well-deserved reputation for being aggressive and so it should only be kept with hardy, fast-moving tankmates. A powerful swimmer, this fish prefers clear, well-oxygenated water with plenty of current.