shovel nose ...tiger shovel nose

[nitestocker13]

What are the differences between these two catfish. Tiger Shovel Nose Catfish and Shovel Nose Catfish. From my research i've found that their appearance and size are the only differences. Does anyone else know? P.S. I'm planning on getting Shovel nose since they aren't as large and look to be the same fish. Thanks

 

[SirMinion]

There are several species of shovel nosed catfish, three of which are sold as Tiger Shovelnose cats. All shovel nose cats are large and preditory.

Some examples are

• Tiger Shovelnoses- three different species:
  • Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum
  • Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum
  • Pseudoplatystoma coruscans
• Round-head Shovelnose (Sorubimichthys planiceps)
• Zebra Shovelnose (merodontotus tigrinus)
• Lima Shovelnose(Sorubim lima)

The Lima is one of the smaller species, but needs to be in groups and still grows over a foot long

Because of its schooling nature and its adult size, a tank in excess of 100g is required

 

[nitestocker13]

Thanks for the reply. I'll probably be getting the lima shovelnose soon. Right now I have a 40 gallon tank. I'm guessing this fish will need around a 100 to 150 gallon tank?
P.S. does this fish need tank mates, if not I wanted it alone.

 

[CFC]

I keep 3 lima shovelnoses and it is my experience that they do better when kept in a group, i orginally had just the one for about 2 years and all that time it was quite a shy fish that only really came out at night, since i added the other 2 they are all active and always out where they can be seen during the day.

Well kept lima shovelnoses can reach up to 20 inches so a bare minimum of a 150g (5x2x2') tank should be provided IMO, when small a minimum of a 75g should be used for growing out. My largest lima that is around 4 years old is now 14 inches and still growing.

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?act=ST...t=0#entry265821

 

[andywg]

You also have to be careful with tank mates. One of the members here had one and at around 12 inches I seem to recall it started eating 7 inch Bala sharks

As with all predatory catfish tank mates should be at least as big or very well researched to try and avoid the risk of them being expensive feeders.

 

[nitestocker13]

Yea I was planning on not having anyother tankmates other than maybe another lima shovelnose. Would you think two shovelnoses in a 150 gallon would be good or do they fair better in groups of three?