Lima Shovelnose Catfish (Sorubim lima)
Fish in the family Pimelodidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific nameSorubim lima
FamilyPimelodidae
Also known asDuckbill Catfish, Shovelnose Catfish, Lima Cat
Care levelModerate
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentSemi Aggressive
Dietcarnivore
Adult size18 in
Minimum tank size125 gallons
Water parametersTemp 74-82°F, pH 6-7.5, GH 4-18 dGH
Appearance
Long flattened duck-billed head, slender silver body with a broad dark lateral stripe; distinctive shovel-shaped snout.
Difficulty and care for the Lima Shovelnose Catfish
Moderate
Origin and habitat
Amazon, Orinoco, and Paraná Basins, South America
Keeper notes
Ambush predator with a large mouth that will eat any fish or shrimp it can engulf; otherwise not aggressive toward big tankmates. Requires a very large tank.
Log Lima Shovelnose Catfish in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Lima Shovelnose Catfish alongside everything else in your reef.
