Description
Shovelnose Catfish (Sorubim lima)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Sorubim lima
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Common Name: Shovelnose Catfish / Duckbill Catfish
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Size: 18 – 24 inches (45 – 60 cm)
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Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
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Tank Zone: Bottom to mid (likes to rest near substrate, active at night)
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 100 – 250 ppm
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pH: 6.0 – 7.5
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Temperature: 23°C – 28°C (74°F – 82°F)
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Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard
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Hardness: GH 4 – 12, KH 2 – 6
🐟 Characteristics
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Recognized by its long flat head and shovel-like mouth.
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Slender body with a silver/grey color and darker patterns.
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Peaceful for its size, but predatory towards small fish.
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Nocturnal → more active during the night.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Carnivorous
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Diet: Small fish, shrimp, worms, prawns, sinking carnivore pellets, frozen foods.
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Feeding Frequency: 3–4 times per week (mainly at night).
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: 180 gallons minimum for adults.
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Weekly water change: 20–30%.
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Provide sand or fine gravel substrate.
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Needs hiding spots (driftwood, caves) + open swimming space.
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Strong filtration → moderate to heavy waste producer.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Can be kept singly or in groups (if space allows).
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Tank Mates: Other medium to large peaceful fish (Silver Arowana, Oscars, Pacu, Severums, Bichirs).
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Avoid: Small fish (will be eaten), overly aggressive species.
✅ Do’s
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Keep in a large, well-filtered tank.
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Provide hiding spaces + dim lighting.
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Feed a variety of meaty foods.
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Cover the tank well (they can jump).
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t keep with small fish.
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Don’t put in small tanks.
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Don’t overfeed fatty foods (like beef heart).
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Don’t keep in unstable/dirty water.
⭐ Quick Tips
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A unique catfish with its distinctive shovel-shaped mouth.
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More peaceful compared to Tiger Shovelnose, but still predatory.
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Great for large freshwater aquariums with compatible tank mates.
