Edit Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum
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Name
Scientific name
Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Pimelodidae
Common names
Tiger Shovelnose
Photograph credits
Not recorded
Summary
The tiger shovelnose, Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum, is a large pimelodid catfish native to the Amazon and Rio Orinoco basins. It grows to arou…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
1050mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Not recorded
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 22–26°C, pH 6–7.6
Hardness
5–20dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Peru, Venezuela, Amazon, Orinoco
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Native to the Amazon and Rio Orinoco basins. It's been collected in Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, French Guiana, Peru and Brazil.
Habitat
Occurs in a broad range of habitats from rapids to near brackish conditions.
Aquarium size
Something in the region of 12' x 8' x 4' (360cm x 240cm x 120cm) - 10,368 litres would be needed for a fully-grown fish. Even this wouldn't give it enough spac…
Maintenance
Strictly speaking, decor isn't necessary for a tank containing an adult, provided the lighting is fairly dim. You can however add some large chunks of bogwood,…
Water conditions
Temperature: 22 – 26 °C pH: 6.0 to 7.6. It does best in slightly acidic water. Hardness: 5 to 20°H
Diet
Piscivorous by nature, but usually adapts well to dead foods in captivity. It relishes meaty items such as prawns, mussels, cockle, lancefish or earthworms. La…
Behaviour and compatibility
Whilst it won't hesitate to gobble any smaller fish, it's actually quite peaceful and can be kept alongside other similarly-sized species in suitable surroundi…
Sexual dimorphism
Virtually impossible to sex by external characteristics. Adult females are likely to be stockier in build than males.
Reproduction
Unreported in the hobby. It migrates over long distances to spawn in nature, and replicating these conditions in an aquarium would be nigh on impossible.
Notes
It's debatable as to whether this species should be considered an aquarium subject at all, given its eventual size. All too often juveniles are sold without ad…
References
References
No references