Lima Shovel-nosed Cat

The Lima Shovel-Nosed Catfish

The Lima Shovel-Nosed Catfish (*Sorubim lima*) is an impressive and distinctive species of catfish known for its unique shovel-shaped head and elongated body. This captivating fish is a popular choice among aquarists due to its striking appearance and generally peaceful demeanor, making it an interesting addition to community tanks.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Lima Shovel-Nosed Catfish can grow to about 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) in length.
• Coloration:
  • Body: They typically have a light grey to silver body, often adorned with dark spots or stripes, which can vary in intensity.
  • Fins: The fins are usually transparent with some coloration that matches the body, enhancing their overall aesthetic appeal.
• Shape: Their distinctive shovel-shaped head and flattened body give them a unique profile, making them easily recognizable in any aquarium setting.

Behavior:

• Temperament: Lima Shovel-Nosed Catfish are generally peaceful and can coexist with larger community fish. However, they can become territorial if kept in smaller tanks.
• Activity Level: These catfish are primarily nocturnal and prefer to hide during the day, becoming more active during the evening and night.
• Community Behavior: While they are generally non-aggressive, care should be taken when selecting tankmates to ensure compatibility and prevent stress.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 150 liters (40 gallons) is recommended for a single Lima Shovel-Nosed Catfish to provide ample swimming space.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: They thrive in warm water, with an ideal temperature range of 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F).
  • pH: Lima Shovel-Nosed Catfish prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 3-12 dGH, is ideal.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate and Decorations: A soft substrate is recommended to protect their sensitive bodies. They appreciate a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding spots, including caves, driftwood, and plants.
  • Lighting: Moderate lighting is suitable, as they prefer shaded areas created by decorations and plants.
  • Filtration: A strong filtration system is essential due to their size and potential waste production. Regular water changes (about 20% weekly) are necessary to maintain water quality.

Diet:

• Lima Shovel-Nosed Catfish are omnivorous and require a varied diet to thrive. Their diet should include:
  • Pellets: High-quality sinking pellets formulated for catfish should form the staple of their diet.
  • Live or Frozen Foods: Offer live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia to provide essential protein and variety.

Tankmates:

• Lima Shovel-Nosed Catfish can be housed with various peaceful tankmates. Suitable tankmates include:
  • Large Tetras: Such as Sillver Dollar.
  • Barbs: Peaceful species like Tinfoil Barbs.
  • Cichlids: Larger, non-aggressive cichlids like Severums or Large angelfish can coexist well.