Tiger Shovelnose Catfish

Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum

Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is a bottom-dwelling fish.

Semi-AggressiveBottom dwellerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 90 cm (≤ 35.4 in)
Aquarium size: 10368 L or larger / ≥ 360 cm (≥ 141.7 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 23–27 °C
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 20 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 20 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 10368 L or larger / ≥ 360 cm (≥ 141.7 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–20 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Tiger Shovelnose Catfish needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Tiger Shovelnose Catfish should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Paraguay, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 10368 L or larger / ≥ 360 cm (≥ 141.7 in) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black Sharkminnow Labeo chrysophekadion Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 90 cm (≤ 35.4 in) 20–26 °C Blackfin Pearl Killifish Austrolebias nigripinnis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 17–23 °C Blue Botia Yasuhikotakia modesta Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 18 cm (≤ 7.1 in) 22–30 °C Blue Dolphin Cichlid Cyrtocara moorii Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 25 cm (≤ 9.8 in) 23–28 °C Blue Panda Apistogramma Apistogramma panduro Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 7.5 cm (≤ 3 in) 21–28 °C Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 12 cm (≤ 4.7 in) 23–27 °C

FAQ

How large does Tiger Shovelnose Catfish get?

Tiger Shovelnose Catfish reaches ≤ 90 cm (≤ 35.4 in). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Tiger Shovelnose Catfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 10368 L or larger / ≥ 360 cm (≥ 141.7 in) minimum length.

Is Tiger Shovelnose Catfish peaceful?

Tiger Shovelnose Catfish needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Tiger Shovelnose Catfish?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.