Tiger Shovelnose Catfish

The Tiger Shovelnose Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) is a large, predatory freshwater catfish known for its sleek, elongated body and striking black-and-white striped pattern. It is a powerful swimmer and a favorite among monster fish keepers, but due to its massive size, it requires an extremely large tank or pond.

Scientific Name:

Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum

Maximum Size:

• 3.5-4 feet (110-120 cm) in captivity.
• In the wild, they can grow up to 5 feet (150 cm).

Native Region:

• Found in South America, particularly in the Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraná River basins of Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina.
• Prefers deep rivers, floodplains, and slow-moving waters with plenty of cover.

Diet (Carnivorous or Omnivorous?)

• Carnivorous, with a strong predatory instinct.
• In the wild, they feed on small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates.
• In captivity, they thrive on:
  ✅ High-quality sinking carnivore pellets
  ✅ Live or frozen fish (tilapia, shrimp, earthworms)
  ✅ Raw seafood (prawns, squid, mussels)
  ❌ Avoid feeder goldfish, as they can introduce diseases and provide poor nutrition.

Lifespan:

• Typically 15-20 years with proper care.

Breeding Season & Behavior:

• Breeding in captivity is extremely rare due to their size and specific spawning requirements.
• In the wild, they spawn during the rainy season, migrating to flooded areas to lay eggs.
• Juveniles grow extremely fast, reaching 12 inches (30 cm) within the first year.

Best Tank Mates:

Tiger Shovelnose Catfish are aggressive predators and should only be housed with large, robust fish that won’t fit in their mouths. Some good tank mates include:

✅ Other large catfish (Redtail Catfish, Giant Gourami, Pacu)
✅ Arowana (must be large enough to avoid being eaten)
✅ Stingrays (in massive tanks or ponds)
✅ Large cichlids (Peacock Bass, Oscars, Flowerhorn—if the tank is massive)

🚫 Avoid:

• Small or slow-moving fish (they will be eaten).
• Highly aggressive fish that may harass them.
• Delicate or weak fish that cannot handle their fast movements.

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• Tank Size: 1,000+ gallons (ponds preferred for long-term care).
• Temperature: 74-82°F (23-28°C)
• pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
• Water Hardness: Soft to moderately hard.
• Filtration: Extremely powerful filtration is needed due to their high waste production.
• Décor: Provide large open swimming space, driftwood, and hiding spots like caves.
• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to prevent injuries.

⚠ Important Note:

Tiger Shovelnose Catfish are not suitable for most home aquariums due to their rapid growth and massive size.