Tiger Shovelnose Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum)
Care level: Medium
Max Size: 90cm
Temp: 23-27°C
PH: 6-8
Approximate purchase size: 10cm
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Non-Community
The Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is a truly striking fish from the Northern parts of the Amazon. It is one of the most sought after large fish in the hobby, but not always the easiest to keep.
The Shovelnose grows the an enormous size and therefore needs a large habitat. We recommend that the aquarium is no less than 750L for one specimen and will most likely need upgrading further down the line. Any decor in the aquarium should be fixed down firmly as these fish are more than capable of knocking things in every direction. Due to its diet and size, the filtration must be efficient and fit for predators as this species is very sensitive to poor water quality. Regular water changes are also essential to keep the shovelnose healthy.
The shovelnose is not suitable for a community set up as it will eat most fish it encounters. If tank mates are considered, we recommend arowana, red tail catfish, Giant Gourami, Pacu and large South American cichlids as options.
Food can be offered in the form of sinking pellets, but this fish will need a very meat heavy diet in the long term. Start them off with mysis, chopped cockle, chopped krill and chopped mussel. Eventually they'll require shrimps, crabs and lancefish as part of their diet. They will however eat absolutely anything offered.
If you have any questions about keeping this fish, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions
Why not check out our other photos of some of the best livestock to have graced our tanks!
