LIMA SHOVELNOSE CATFISH

🦈 Lima Shovelnose Catfish (Sorubim lima) – Sleek, Streamlined Predator for the Modern Monster Tank

The Lima Shovelnose Catfish is a graceful, mid-sized predator with a torpedo-shaped body, extended paddle-like snout, and elegant whisker-like barbels. Native to slow-moving rivers across the Amazon and Orinoco basins, this fish is built for speed and stealth—gliding effortlessly along the bottom and striking with precision when prey is near.

Unlike its larger cousins, the Lima stays at a manageable size for most monster aquariums, making it an ideal catfish for hobbyists looking to add predatory behavior without outgrowing their setups. With its metallic silver body, dark horizontal stripes, and active night-time habits, the Lima brings both beauty and movement to your predator display.

🐟 Species Profile:

• Scientific Name: Sorubim lima

• Common Names: Lima Shovelnose Catfish, Duckbill Catfish

• Adult Size: 12–18 inches

• Temperament: Predatory, peaceful toward larger tankmates

• Tank Size: 100+ gallons

• Water Parameters: 75–82°F | pH 6.5–7.5

• Diet: Carnivore – enjoys shrimp, silversides, tilapia, sinking carnivore pellets, and live/frozen foods

🛠️ Tank Setup & Compatibility:

Lima Shovelnose thrive in:

• Long aquariums with open swimming space

• Smooth substrate or bare-bottom tanks

• Low lighting with driftwood or PVC hides

• Clean, well-oxygenated water with strong filtration

Compatible with:

• Arowanas, bichirs, peacock bass, rays

• Larger peaceful cichlids or datnoids

• Other bottom dwellers like flagtail catfish or irwini

• Avoid small fish that can be seen as prey

Behavior:

• 🚶♂️ Nocturnal—more active in low light

• 🧠 Intelligent—learns feeding routines quickly

• 🐟 Won’t bother tankmates it can’t eat, making it more peaceful than many other predators

🛒 Why Buy from RobsAquatics.com?

Each Lima Shovelnose Catfish is:

• ✅ Hand-picked for healthy growth and clean patterning

• ✅ Acclimated and feeding on prepared carnivore diets

• ✅ Professionally shipped and backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee

• ✅ A perfect addition to predator tanks, Amazon biotopes, or exotic catfish collections

📦 Add stealth and sophistication to your aquarium with the Lima Shovelnose Catfish—a streamlined Amazon predator with bold stripes, smart behavior, and tankmate flexibility. Now available at RobsAquatics.com.