The tiger shovelnose catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) is a predatory South American river catfish that can reach about 41 inches (104 cm) and 70 kg, so it suits only very large aquariums. It eats any fish that fits in its mouth, needs 72-79°F (22-26°C) water, and adults need feeding only about once a week.
Last updated: October 18, 2026. Facts checked against the sources listed at the end of this article.
Are you looking for a unique pet fish to add to your aquarium? Tiger shovelnose catfish are striking, but they are only a good choice if you can give them a very large tank. These beautiful predators can be fun and rewarding pets for experienced keepers. But before getting one of these amazing creatures, it’s important that you understand the basics of setting up their habitat and caring for them properly. In this blog post we’ll discuss everything from overviews on tiger shovelnose catfish behavior, what kind of tank setup they need, all the way down to feeding habits and how best to care for them so they stay healthy in captivity.
Table of Contents:
Caring for Tiger Shovelnose Catfish
| Fact | Tiger shovelnose catfish |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum; the similar P. tigrinum is also sold as tiger shovelnose |
| Native range | South America: Amazon, Corantijn, Essequibo, Orinoco and Paraná river basins |
| Maximum size | About 41 inches (104 cm) standard length, 70 kg |
| Lifespan | Can live well over 20 years (Seriously Fish) |
| Temperature | 72-79°F (22-26°C) |
| pH | 6.0-7.6, slightly acidic preferred |
| Hardness | 2-30 dGH |
| Diet | Predator (piscivore); accepts prawns, mussels, cockles, earthworms, white fish fillets |
| Feeding | Juveniles every other day; adults once a week at most |
| Tank for an adult | About 360 x 240 x 120 cm (10,368 liters); at least 2 m long |
| Tank mates | Only large fish it can’t swallow; one shovelnose per tank |
Feeding Habits:
Tiger Shovelnose Catfish are predators that eat mainly fish in the wild; FishBase notes that adults feed at night on fish and crabs. In the aquarium most adapt to dead foods such as prawns, mussels, cockles and earthworms, and larger fish will take white fish fillets. Avoid feeder fish and mammal meat such as beef heart or chicken. It is important to feed them in moderation since they tend to overeat if given the opportunity: Seriously Fish recommends feeding juveniles every other day and adults a single meal a week at most.
Socialization with Other Fish Species:
Tiger Shovelnose Catfish are fairly peaceful toward fish of a similar size, but they will eat any fish that fits in their mouth, so small fish such as tetras, barbs and gouramis are not safe tank mates. They are also territorial toward their own kind and other large pimelodid catfish, so keep only one. Seriously Fish suggests large, robust companions such as the doradid catfish Oxydoras niger and Pterodoras granulosus in a very large tank. When introducing new fish into the tank make sure there is plenty of hiding places for all inhabitants so everyone feels secure in their environment.
Regular water changes (at least 25% every two weeks) along with routine health checks will help prevent any potential issues from arising before they become serious problems down the line. It is important to keep an eye on water parameters and make sure that good quality food is provided regularly in order to ensure that these catfish stay healthy overall. However, if kept in dirty water or overfed, they are prone to developing bacterial infections which can lead to skin lesions or fin rot if left untreated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do tiger shovelnose catfish get?
Tiger shovelnose catfish can grow to about 41 inches (104 cm) standard length and 70 kg, according to Seriously Fish and FishBase. Seriously Fish adds that they can reach something close to that size in captivity, so a small juvenile from a store will eventually outgrow almost any home aquarium.
Are tiger shovelnose catfish aggressive?
They are predators rather than aggressive fighters. Seriously Fish describes them as fairly peaceful with fish of a similar size, but they will eat any fish small enough to swallow and are territorial toward their own kind and other large pimelodid catfish, so keep only one per tank.
How often should you feed a tiger shovelnose catfish?
Feed juveniles every other day and adults no more than once a week, as Seriously Fish recommends, because predatory catfish easily become overweight in captivity. Offer dead foods such as prawns, mussels, cockles, earthworms and, for larger fish, white fish fillets, and avoid feeder fish and mammal meat.
What size tank does a tiger shovelnose catfish need?
A full-grown tiger shovelnose needs a tank far larger than most homes can hold. Seriously Fish estimates about 360 by 240 by 120 cm (roughly 12 by 8 by 4 feet, or 10,368 liters) for an adult and rates the species as difficult, needing a tank at least 2 meters long.
Can you eat tiger shovelnose catfish?
Yes. FishBase lists the species as used for human consumption, and it supports commercial fisheries and is caught as a gamefish in South America. Wild stocks are rated Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, in an assessment dated January 2021, according to FishBase.
Conclusion
Tiger shovelnose catfish are an interesting and rewarding fish to keep as pets. With the right tank setup, diet, and water conditions, they can be a great addition to a very large aquarium. They may require more care than other types of fish but with proper maintenance they will thrive in their environment. Keeping tiger shovelnose catfish is a fun way to learn about aquatic life while having an enjoyable pet at home.
If you are looking for a unique and interesting pet fish, then the Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is an excellent choice. Not only does this species have beautiful markings that make it stand out in any aquarium setting, but its active nature makes it entertaining to watch as well. Plus, by providing the right habitat and diet for these amazing creatures, you can help ensure their long-term health and happiness in your home. With so many benefits associated with keeping Tiger Shovelnose Catfish as pets, now is the perfect time to get started on creating an environment they will love!
Sources
- Seriously Fish: Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum (104 cm and 70 kg; tank of about 360 x 240 x 120 cm; 22-26°C, pH 6.0-7.6, 2-30 dGH; diet and feeding frequency; tank mates; confusion with P. tigrinum; can live well over 20 years). Read October 18, 2026.
- FishBase: Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum, barred sorubim (range; 105 cm SL, 70 kg; adults feed at night on fish and crabs; commercial fishery, gamefish and food fish; IUCN Least Concern). Read October 18, 2026.
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