Origin: Native to South America, primarily found in the Amazon River and its tributaries, including the Orinoco River. They inhabit fast-moving rivers and floodplains with rocky or muddy substrates.
Size:
Typically grows up to 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) in length in the wild, though they may reach up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) in large aquariums or in their natural habitat.
Coloration:
The Tiger Shovelnose Catfish has a distinct striped pattern on its body, resembling a tiger’s stripes—alternating black and yellowish-gray markings.
The body is long and slender, with shovel-shaped jaws that give it a unique appearance.
The fins are generally transparent or light-colored, with darker markings near the edges.
Tank Size: Minimum 180-250 gallons (due to their large adult size)
Water Temperature:74-80°F (23-27°C)
pH:6.0-7.5
Diet: Carnivorous; they are voracious eaters and require a meaty diet. They will accept a variety of foods, including live or frozen foods like feeder fish, shrimp, worms, crustaceans, and other small fish. They can also be fed high-quality pellets and frozen foods such as bloodworms or mysis shrimp.
Temperament: Generally peaceful but can become aggressive toward smaller tankmates or similar-sized fish. They are solitary by nature and will defend their territory from other large fish.
Compatibility: Best kept with larger, robust fish that are capable of handling their size and temperament, such as larger cichlids, catfish, and large tetras. They are not suitable for community tanks with small or peaceful species.
Breeding: Difficult to breed in captivity, as they require specific environmental conditions found in the wild. They are egg-layers, and breeding has been observed in aquariums with large, well-maintained environments and ample hiding spaces.
Care Tips:
Provide a very large tank with strong filtration and ample swimming space, as they are highly active swimmers, especially when they grow larger.
The tank should have a low light level and plenty of hiding places, such as rocks, wood, or caves, as they are somewhat shy and need a sense of security.
Ensure the water quality is pristine with regular water changes due to the high waste output of this species.
Since they are bottom-dwellers, include a soft substrate like sand or smooth gravel to avoid damage to their delicate barbels.
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