Tiger Shovelnose Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum)

Fish in the family Pimelodidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific namePseudoplatystoma fasciatum

FamilyPimelodidae

Also known asTiger Shovelnose, Tiger Sorubim, TSN

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size36 in

Minimum tank size800 gallons

Water parametersTemp 73-82°F, pH 6-7.5, GH 4-18 dGH

Appearance

Long silver body with bold black tiger-stripe bars and spots, a broad flattened shovel-shaped head, and long barbels.

Difficulty and care for the Tiger Shovelnose Catfish

Hard

Origin and habitat

Amazon and Orinoco Basins, South America

Keeper notes

Large fast-growing predatory shovelnose that swallows any fish it can fit in its huge mouth. Not for standard aquariums; needs a custom large system. Often sold small and outgrows tanks rapidly.

Log Tiger 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 Tiger Shovelnose Catfish alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app