Care Level: Advanced

Temperament: Semi-Aggressive

Live Plant Safe: No

General Description: The Tiger Shovelnose Catfish has an incredibly large natural range throughout rivers and lakes of South America. Given this distribution, there is a lot of variation in the color and patterning among individual Tiger shovelnose catfish. Often sold as mere several inch “kittens”, this catfish species is truly a river monster that is best left admired in the wild, public aquaria or to the few extremely dedicated aquarists that have the facilities to house an adult Tiger shovelnose catfish. On average, an adult Tiger shovelnose catfish in captivity can grow to 3 feet in length, weighing up to 140 pounds. The myth that this species, among so many other large fishes, will only grow to the size of the aquarium that they are in is just that – a myth. Juvenile Tiger shovelnose catfish grow up quicker than you think, especially when their diets are being supplemented correctly, making this fish a serious commitment in all aspects of aquatic husbandry (please see ‘Diet and Care Requirements’ below). For its enormous adult size however, the Tiger shovelnose catfish is a relatively non-aggressive fish so long as it is not kept with tank mates that can become a meal. We do not recommend keeping any other type of catfish with a Tiger shovelnose catfish because this will likely result in a territorial dispute. Diagnosable differences between male and female Tiger shovelnose catfish are unknown and successful breeding of this species in an artificial environment is extremely unlikely. Note: Populations of Tiger shovelnose catfish have been found within rivers and ponds of the United States likely as a result from irresponsible hobbyists releasing specimens that got too large to care for. While these catfish will not survive in colder regions such as Wisconsin, those in warmer regions could and this is unhealthy for the biodiversity of our native ecosystems. We urge hobbyists to not do this, and to please reach out to our store, Aquatics Unlimited, to either surrender your catfish to us or for resources to help you with your catfish.

Diet Requirements: Tiger shovelnose catfish are fish-eaters by nature, but will usually adapt to a protein-rich prepared diet in captivity. Such options include frozen brine shrimp, mussels, krill, silverside fish, and prawns. Foods containing Spirulina algae are a plus. Appropriate frozen food options will vary depending on the size of your specimen. Adult Tiger shovelnose catfish can also be fed pieces, or whole, white fish fillets from the grocery store. Tiger shovelnose catfish may accept large sinking pellet foods, but these should not make up the majority of their diet. Live earthworms are a favorite treat. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. This is extremely important for a Tiger shovelnose catfish because an individual with no variety will become picky and refuse options of other food as it matures. We discourage feeding live fish to Tiger shovelnose catfish because they are often of little nutritional value and increase the risk of introducing disease. Tiger shovelnose catfish are notorious for becoming greedy and will often learn to “beg” for food, but feeding only once a day should be exercised for juveniles. Adult specimens may only need to be fed once a week. Obesity is a big problem in large catfish species, which will only be a detriment to their health in the long run. Do not feed any form of mammalian/poultry meat (e.g., beef or chicken) as certain lipids in these cannot be metabolized by the Tiger shovelnose catfish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 90 gallon aquarium is needed at the very least for a small Tiger shovelnose catfish. A more subadult specimen will require a 250+ gallon aquarium. The realistic long term accommodations for a juvenile Tiger shovelnose catfish to mature into a 3 foot adult in length requires a phenomenal volume of water of at least a couple thousand gallons – which still barely allows for natural movement as it would freely in the wild. This catfish cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Weekly water changes are necessary to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm) as Tiger shovelnose catfish do not like high nitrates and deteriorating water parameters. Equipping the aquarium with several canister filters, or a sump system, is also needed to maintain a healthier environment for this species and combat the amount of waste it produces. A Tiger shovelnose catfish will be relatively indifferent to decor, especially as an adult, but some stacked rocks to create caves for younger specimens to hide, or driftwood, may add some pizzazz to the aquarium. A lot of unobstructed and open swimming space should be of priority, and a sandy or fine substrate is needed, because gravels can be ingested by more mature specimens and get caught in their delicate gill tissue. Tiger shovelnose catfish are compatible with a wide variety of fish; tank mates should not be aggressive as to nip at the Tiger shovelnose catfish’s delicate and sensitive whiskers, or too small to be consumed. Tiger shovelnose catfish are solitary, so no more than one should be considered per aquarium. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 2-30, pH 6.0-7.5.

Purchase Size: Small: 2” to 2-3/4”; Medium: 3” to 4”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.