Tiger Shovelnose Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum) – The Striped Predator of the River

If you’re an aquarist looking to add size, power, and wild beauty to your monster tank, the Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is a showstopper. With its sleek, elongated body, bold tiger-like striping, and distinctive shovel-shaped snout, this South American native commands attention — and requires respect.

A predatory fish with massive growth potential, it’s best suited for experienced aquarists with very large aquariums or indoor ponds.

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? Species Profile

• Common Name: Tiger Shovelnose Catfish

• Scientific Name: Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum

• Family: Pimelodidae

• Origin: Amazon and Orinoco River basins (South America)

• Adult Size: Up to 3.5 feet (100+ cm) in captivity

• Lifespan: 18–25 years with excellent care

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, predatory

• Experience Level: Advanced

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? Appearance

The Tiger Shovelnose gets its name from its:

• Distinctive long, flat snout (used to stir and detect prey)

• Silvery-gray body marked with bold vertical black stripes and spots

• Long, flowing barbels that give it a classic catfish look

• Sleek, muscular body built for powerful swimming

Even as juveniles, they display strong markings — and grow fast.

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? Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size:

• 300+ gallons for adults

• Juveniles may be kept in 100+ gallons but will outgrow quickly

Ideal Setup:

• Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel

• Décor: Large driftwood, rocks, sturdy hiding spots

• Lighting: Low to moderate (they prefer dim, river-like settings)

• Cover: Tight-fitting lid – they can jump!

• Filtration: Heavy-duty! High bio-load requires powerful mechanical and biological filtration

These are riverine fish, so they appreciate strong current and well-oxygenated water.

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? Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 6.0–7.5

• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm

• Nitrates: Keep as low as possible (<20 ppm)

Weekly water changes (25–40%) are essential due to their size and waste output.

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? Diet & Feeding

The Tiger Shovelnose is a carnivorous predator with a hearty appetite.

In Captivity:

• Chopped fish or shrimp

• Earthworms

• Frozen or fresh mussels

• Pellets (specifically formulated for large carnivores)

• Occasional live prey (use with caution — may encourage aggression or bad habits)

Feed once daily or every other day once full-grown. Avoid overfeeding to prevent water fouling and obesity.

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? Tankmates

Tiger Shovelnose Catfish are not community fish — they are solitary predators.

Tankmate Considerations:

• Only house with similar-sized or larger aggressive species

• Ideal tankmates include:

  • Arowana

  • Pacu

  • Giant Gouramis

  • Other large catfish (e.g., Redtail Catfish, Iridescent Sharks — with caution)

• Avoid: Any fish that can fit in its mouth (which is large!) — they will be eaten

They can be territorial, especially in confined spaces.

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? Breeding

Breeding Tiger Shovelnose Catfish in home aquariums is extremely rare and not typically successful due to:

• Their massive size requirements

• The need for hormone-induced spawning in captivity

• River-like conditions that are difficult to replicate

Most specimens in the trade are wild-caught or farm-raised under controlled conditions in South America or Southeast Asia.

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⚠️ Special Considerations

• Rapid growth rate – can outgrow tanks in a matter of months

• High bio-load – requires excellent filtration and frequent maintenance

• Not for beginners – they demand space, strength, and specific care

• Lifespan commitment – with proper care, they can live two decades or more