Tiger Shovelnose Catfish

Originally found in Peru and Venezuela, the Tiger Shovelnose is known by the scientific community as Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum. This fish offered for sale is a farm raised, Baby Tiger Shovelnose, the operative word in that statement is “Baby.” While this fish will be 2 to 4 inches long, it will mature into a 40 inch long king size catfish! A true predator, the Tiger Shovelnose will eat anything that fits in its mouth. Typical of the Shovelnose group, the body is elongated with a flatten, duck-bill head/mouth. Three sets of extensive barbells grow from the upper and lower lips. These are used to navigate and find food, as in their natural waters, the water has the color of creamed coffee and visibility is very short to non-existent. In the aquarium, the Tiger Shovelnose will prefer a secluded spot in which to “hide out” from potential dinner, only moving when chasing do its food. Juveniles will have a golden brown upper body with a most or less white belly. Circling around the body will be several bands/groups of spots. As the fish matures, these become more of a stripe, giving rise to the Tiger part of the name. As a smooth skin catfish, the Tiger Shovelnose is demanding of good water quality and will require frequent partial water changes and a really good filter system. Care must also be taken when using any medications. This fish can pretty much out grow most aquariums, so plan ahead to get a larger tank.

Approximate arrival size for Tiger Shovelnose Catfish: Baby: 2-3"; Medium/Large 5-7"

Detailed Information about this animal