Tiger Shovelnose Catfish Care Guide – Raising One of the Most Iconic Freshwater Predators

Introduction: The Striped Predator of the Amazon

The Tiger Shovelnose Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) is one of the most recognizable and sought-after monster fish in the freshwater hobby. With its distinct black stripes, long whiskers, and shovel-shaped snout, this South American giant adds power and presence to any large aquarium.

Known for growing over 3 feet long in captivity, the Tiger Shovelnose is not for beginners—but for experienced aquarists with the space and filtration to match its size and appetite, this fish is both stunning and rewarding.

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🔍 Species Overview

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🏠 Tank Setup & Requirements

🧱 Tank Size

• Juveniles (under 6”): 75 gallons

• Adults: 300+ gallons minimum

These fish are extremely fast growers, so even young specimens quickly outgrow starter tanks. Plan ahead for a tank upgrade or a custom-built monster fish system.

🪨 Aquascape & Design

• Use a bare bottom or soft sand substrate

• Provide large pieces of driftwood or PVC pipes for hiding

• Keep decorations heavy and secure—this fish will rearrange your tank

• Avoid sharp edges (they can injure themselves)

Open swimming space is essential. Tiger Shovelnose are active hunters and need room to move.

🌊 Filtration & Flow

• Dual canister filters or a sump system

• Turnover of at least 6–10x tank volume per hour

• Oxygen-rich water with moderate current

This species has a massive bioload—top-tier filtration is non-negotiable.

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💧 Water Parameters

Weekly 30–50% water changes are essential. Shovelnose Catfish are hardy but produce a significant amount of waste, especially once they exceed 12–15 inches.

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🍽️ Diet & Feeding

Tiger Shovelnose Catfish are obligate carnivores and must be fed a high-protein diet.

✅ Ideal Diet:

• Chopped tilapia

• Frozen shrimp

• Silversides

• Earthworms

• Carnivore pellets (Massivore, Northfin)

• Fresh-cut fish (no fat or seasoning)

🕒 Feed once daily for juveniles, and every other day for adults. Avoid live feeders unless quarantined—they often introduce parasites.

Do not overfeed—Tiger Shovelnose Catfish are prone to bloat and fatty liver disease when given rich food too frequently.

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🧠 Behavior & Temperament

• Solitary and territorial

• Nocturnal hunter—more active after lights out

• Uses its long barbels to navigate and find prey

• Will eat tank mates if they can fit in its mouth

They’re intelligent predators that quickly learn feeding routines, often rising to the surface to beg once they associate you with food.

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👫 Tank Mates

Choose tank mates carefully. Anything too small is food. Anything too slow is in danger.

✅ Compatible Tank Mates:

• Other large catfish (e.g., Redtail, Marble Pim)

• Bichirs

• Datnoids

• Arowanas

• Giant Gouramis

• Large Cichlids (Oscars, Peacock Bass)

❌ Avoid:

• Shrimp, snails, small cichlids, or tetras

• Territorial bottom dwellers (they may fight)

• Fragile or slow swimmers

Size and aggression compatibility are more important than species.

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🧬 Growth & Lifespan

Tiger Shovelnose Catfish grow very quickly:

• From 4–6” to 12” in under 6 months

• Up to 24–30” in their first 2 years

In large aquariums with proper care, they can live over 15 years and continue growing throughout life.

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🌟 Educational Insight: The Shovel Advantage

That distinct shovel-shaped snout isn’t just for looks—it allows the Tiger Shovelnose to:

• Dig through substrate

• Detect electrical signals of hidden prey

• Move with surge-like speed to capture live fish

In the wild, they’re apex predators—and in your tank, they’ll display those same instincts, especially during feeding time.

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💲 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

When you purchase a Tiger Shovelnose Catfish from RobsAquatics.com, you get:

• Ethically sourced, parasite-free specimens

• Health-checked and pre-acclimated to frozen & pellet foods

• Shipped overnight with Live Arrival Guarantee

• Sourced from breeders—not wild-caught—ensuring stronger health and better adaptability

You’re not just buying a fish—you’re getting a statement predator from a shop that knows monster fish.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is a powerful, intelligent, and visually striking predator that demands attention and respect. If you have the space, patience, and passion, this species will quickly become the centerpiece of your monster tank.

Best for:

• Monster fishkeepers

• Large predator aquariums

• Experienced aquarists with space for 200+ gallon setups

• Keepers who want a fish with real personality

👉 Order your Tiger Shovelnose Catfish today at RobsAquatics.com and take your aquarium to the next level with a true freshwater predator.