(E) Shovelnose Catfish (Sorubim lima)

Description

Shovelnose Catfish (Sorubim lima)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Sorubim lima

• Common Name: Shovelnose Catfish / Duckbill Catfish

• Size: 18 – 24 inches (45 – 60 cm)

• Lifespan: 10 – 15 years

• Tank Zone: Bottom to mid (likes to rest near substrate, active at night)

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): 100 – 250 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Temperature: 23°C – 28°C (74°F – 82°F)

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft to moderately hard

• Hardness: GH 4 – 12, KH 2 – 6

🐟 Characteristics

• Recognized by its long flat head and shovel-like mouth.

• Slender body with a silver/grey color and darker patterns.

• Peaceful for its size, but predatory towards small fish.

• Nocturnal → more active during the night.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Carnivorous

• Diet: Small fish, shrimp, worms, prawns, sinking carnivore pellets, frozen foods.

• Feeding Frequency: 3–4 times per week (mainly at night).

🛠️ Maintenance

• Tank Size: 180 gallons minimum for adults.

• Weekly water change: 20–30%.

• Provide sand or fine gravel substrate.

• Needs hiding spots (driftwood, caves) + open swimming space.

• Strong filtration → moderate to heavy waste producer.

👥 Social Behavior

• Minimum Group Size: Can be kept singly or in groups (if space allows).

• Tank Mates: Other medium to large peaceful fish (Silver Arowana, Oscars, Pacu, Severums, Bichirs).

• Avoid: Small fish (will be eaten), overly aggressive species.

✅ Do’s

• Keep in a large, well-filtered tank.

• Provide hiding spaces + dim lighting.

• Feed a variety of meaty foods.

• Cover the tank well (they can jump).

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep with small fish.

• Don’t put in small tanks.

• Don’t overfeed fatty foods (like beef heart).

• Don’t keep in unstable/dirty water.

⭐ Quick Tips

• A unique catfish with its distinctive shovel-shaped mouth.

• More peaceful compared to Tiger Shovelnose, but still predatory.

• Great for large freshwater aquariums with compatible tank mates.