Barred Shovelnose Catfish

Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum inhabits Amazonian tributaries from Peru to Brazil, favoring clear and white-water rivers with sandy or gravelly substrates. Its pattern of bold dark bars and spots on a silver background is one of the most distinctive in the genus, and juveniles are frequently exported for the specialist market.

Like all pseudoplatystomines, this species is a powerful, fast-swimming predator capable of explosive bursts of speed when striking prey. In captivity it requires a very large, long aquarium with strong water movement and excellent filtration. It is best maintained as the sole predator or with fish that are clearly too large to be eaten.

The species adapts well to captive feeding on meaty prepared foods and typically becomes bold and visible once settled, making it a dramatic display fish for suitably equipped large-fish facilities.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard; keep nitrates under 20 ppm. Tank: Minimum 1500L; long tank, powerful filtration, no sharp décor to protect barbels. Feeding: Carnivore; whole prawns, fish fillets, large sinking pellets; feed 2–3 times weekly. Breeding: Not achieved in captivity; wild spawning seasonal. Compatibility: Large robust South American fish only; highly predatory toward smaller species.