Care
The Shovelnose Catfish is a widespread species known from numerous river basins, including the Amazon, Orinoco, Parana, and Parnaiba. This is a large species that can live for over a decade, and requires a very spacious aquarium accompanied by powerful filtration and a decent level of oxygenation. Young specimens grow very quickly, so it is vital that they are provided with vast quarters from the outset, in order to prevent stunting and associated health problems. The footprint of the tank (length and width) is much more important than the height, so always aim for a tank as long and wide as possible. These fish are voracious eaters and therefore produce a lot of nitrogenous waste, so it is essential to run powerful filtration on the aquarium - ideally with 2 or more canister filters, so that if one should fail or requires maintenance, there is back up. Frequent, partial water changes are an absolute must in order to keep the nitrate level as low as possible. There should be areas of brisk water movement, coupled with calmer areas, and a balance of shady caves and ample swimming space along the front of the aquarium. Provide a soft sandy substrate in order to protect the long sensory barbels, which the catfish uses to grub about for food items. Robust plants should not be eaten, but they will be quickly and vigorously uprooted as the catfish noses about in the substrate, so most aquarists opt to omit them from the aquascape. Lighting should not be too bright, and a blue moon light turned on just before the main lights switch off will allow you to observe the antics of these fascinating fish for a time during the late evening. Tankmates, if desired, must be chosen very carefully as although the Shovelnose Catfish is generally peaceful, it is predatory and has quite a capacious mouth capable of consuming sizeable prey. Good tankmates could include Distichodus spp., adult silver dollars, knifefish, hefty barbs, and big Loricariids (suckermouth catfish). Avoid keeping with other Pimelodids (long-whiskered catfish). Juvenile Shovelnoses are quite gregarious and can be maintained together, but territorial aggression increases with age and they will likely need separating unless the tank is voluminous and there are adequate hiding places/visual barriers. May also be seen on sale as the Duckbill Catfish.
Feeding
Offer a variety of foods including quality large sinking pellets/tablets, and frozen foods such as bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, and Mysis shrimp, moving on to larger foodstuffs such as earthworms, cockles, mussels, chopped whitebait, silversides, and prawns as they grow.
Breeding
This species has not been bred in the home aquarium.
