Tiger Shovelnose Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum)

The Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is one of the most iconic large Amazonian pimelodid catfish, featuring a dramatically flattened spatula-shaped snout lined with long sensory barbels and a silver body patterned with bold black vertical bars. A true monster fish capable of exceeding 130 cm in the wild, it is strictly for dedicated specialist fishkeepers with appropriately enormous aquariums and a serious, decades-long commitment. Any fish that can fit in its enormous mouth will inevitably become a meal.

Requires an aquarium of at least 2,000 L with powerful multi-stage filtration and frequent large water changes. Feed large meaty foods: whole fish, large shrimp, prawns, large earthworms, and quality large catfish pellets. Do not house with any fish small enough to be swallowed. Provide large PVC pipe or resin cave hiding structures. Highly active at night. This fish can live 20+ years — only acquire with a well-considered long-term management plan.