Lima Shovelnose

Quick summary

The Lima Shovelnose is a large, nocturnal predatory catfish suited only to experienced keepers with at least a 750 litre tank, and it will eat any tank mate small enough to fit in its mouth. It is not recommended for beginners, small setups, or breeding attempts, as it is a difficult species to keep long-term and breeding is considered expert level.

🐠 Build a tank around this species

In this guide:

• Introduction
• Quick Stats
• Appearance
• Natural Habitat
• Tank Size and Setup
• Water Parameters
• Filtration and Equipment
• Diet and Feeding
• Behaviour and Temperament
• Tank Mates
• Breeding
• Common Diseases
• FAQs

Introduction

The Lima Shovelnose (Sorubim lima) is a striking pimelodid catfish native to the vast river systems of South America. Renowned for its remarkably flattened, spatula-shaped snout and bold black-and-white lateral striping, this nocturnal predator has long captivated specialist fishkeepers who have the space and dedication to house it properly. Despite its undeniable visual appeal, the Lima Shovelnose is not a fish for beginners or for those with modest aquarium setups. Adults routinely reach 40 to 50 cm in captivity and can exceed 60 cm in the wild, meaning that very large aquaria are a non-negotiable requirement.

In the aquarium trade, the Lima Shovelnose is sometimes confused with other shovelnose catfish species, particularly those in the genera Pseudoplatystoma and Hemisorubim. However, Sorubim lima can be distinguished by its comparatively slender body, its strongly depressed (dorsoventrally flattened) head, and the characteristic habit of resting at unusual angles – including vertically, head-down among plants or driftwood. This behaviour, combined with its peaceful disposition toward fish too large to swallow, makes it a fascinating species to observe. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep the Lima Shovelnose successfully, from tank dimensions and water chemistry through to diet, compatible tank mates, and breeding considerations.

Appearance

The Lima Shovelnose is immediately recognisable thanks to its dramatically elongated and dorsoventrally flattened rostrum – the broad, shovel-shaped snout from which it derives its common name. The head is wide and depressed, tapering forward to a rounded, paddle-like tip. The mouth is subterminal (positioned on the underside of the head), which reflects the species’ benthic feeding habits in the wild. Three pairs of long, prominent barbels extend from the upper and lower jaws. These barbels are highly sensitive chemosensory organs used to detect prey in low-light conditions and murky water.

The body is elongated and laterally compressed behind the head, giving the fish a streamlined, torpedo-like profile that is typical of active pimelodid predators. The dorsal fin is relatively tall and triangular, while the caudal fin is deeply forked, enabling powerful bursts of speed when pursuing prey. The adipose fin, characteristic of the catfish order, is well developed.

Colouration is one of the Lima Shovelnose’s most attractive features. The base colour of the body is typically a clean silvery-white or pale cream. A bold, dark brown to black lateral stripe runs along each flank from the tip of the snout through the eye and along the midline of the body to the caudal peduncle. A second, thinner dark stripe often runs along the dorsal surface, and the dorsal region above the lateral stripe is generally darker, ranging from olive-brown to charcoal. The ventral surface is pristine white. The fins may be clear to slightly dusky, sometimes with faint dark markings. Juvenile specimens tend to display sharper, more contrasting markings, while very large adults may show slightly muted patterning.

One of the most endearing behavioural traits related to the fish’s appearance is its resting posture. Lima Shovelnose catfish are frequently observed hanging vertically in the water column, head pointed downward, among tall plants, driftwood branches, or other vertical structures. This unusual resting position, combined with their striped pattern, is thought to serve as camouflage, breaking up the fish’s outline among submerged roots and vegetation.

Natural Habitat

Sorubim lima has one of the broadest distributions of any pimelodid catfish, occurring across multiple major river basins in South America. It is found throughout the Amazon basin in Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, as well as in the Orinoco basin of Venezuela and Colombia, the Parana-Paraguay system of Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina, and the Rio de la Plata drainage. This extensive range encompasses a tremendous variety of habitats, and the species has proven itself highly adaptable.

In the wild, the Lima Shovelnose inhabits the main channels and floodplain lakes of large, slow-moving to moderately flowing rivers. It shows a preference for areas with soft substrates – sand, silt, or fine mud – where it can forage for invertebrates and small fish along the bottom. It is commonly found near submerged logs, root tangles, overhanging vegetation, and flooded forest margins (igapo and varzea habitats), where it uses its cryptic colouration and head-down resting posture to remain concealed during daylight hours.

Water conditions across its range are variable but generally trend toward warm, slightly acidic to neutral, and soft to moderately hard. In blackwater tributaries, the pH may drop below 6.0 and hardness is negligible, while in whitewater and clearwater rivers, conditions are closer to neutral with slightly higher mineral content. Seasonal flooding plays a major role in the species’ ecology, expanding its available habitat and providing access to rich feeding grounds in inundated forests.

The Lima Shovelnose is a crepuscular to nocturnal predator. During the day, it typically remains motionless among cover, becoming active at dusk to hunt small fishes, shrimps, and aquatic invertebrates. Its flattened snout and wide, suction-capable mouth allow it to engulf prey items with a rapid strike. Understanding these natural behaviours is essential for replicating appropriate conditions in captivity.

Tank Size and Setup

A minimum tank volume of 750 litres is recommended for a single adult Lima Shovelnose, with larger aquaria of 1,000 litres or more being strongly preferred. The tank’s footprint is arguably more important than its total volume; a tank measuring at least 200 cm in length and 60 cm in width (front to back) should be considered the minimum. These catfish are active swimmers during the evening and nighttime hours and require ample horizontal space to cruise and turn comfortably. Tanks that are tall but narrow are not suitable.

The substrate should be fine sand, ideally a soft, rounded silica sand or a dedicated aquarium sand. Gravel with sharp edges should be avoided, as the Lima Shovelnose frequently rests on the bottom and may abrade its sensitive barbels and ventral surface on rough substrates. A sandy bottom also more closely replicates the natural riverbed habitats this species favours.

Aquascaping should provide generous cover in the form of large pieces of driftwood, bogwood, or branching root structures. Tall vertical pieces of wood are particularly appreciated, as they allow the fish to adopt its characteristic head-down resting posture. PVC pipes or large ceramic tubes can also serve as hiding spots, though natural materials are more aesthetically pleasing. Ensure that all decor is securely positioned, as a large shovelnose catfish can dislodge lighter items during nocturnal activity.

Live plants are not strictly necessary and may be uprooted by the fish, but robust species such as Anubias, Java Fern, and Vallisneria can be attached to hardscape or planted in areas the catfish is less likely to disturb. Floating plants are an excellent addition, as they reduce light intensity at the water’s surface and help the fish feel more secure during the day.

Lighting should be subdued or adjustable. Because the Lima Shovelnose is nocturnal, bright overhead lighting will cause it stress and may lead to prolonged hiding and refusal to feed. A dimmed LED unit or a setup with a dedicated moonlight or blue-light mode for evening viewing is ideal. Providing shaded areas beneath floating plants or overhanging decor is also beneficial.

A secure, tight-fitting lid or cover glasses are essential. While the Lima Shovelnose is not typically considered a jumper, large catfish can and do leap when startled, and the financial and emotional cost of losing a specimen that may have been in your care for a decade or more is simply not worth the risk.

Water Parameters

The Lima Shovelnose is reasonably adaptable when it comes to water chemistry, provided that extremes are avoided and conditions remain stable. Wild populations experience a range of conditions depending on the specific river system, but in captivity, a temperature of around 25-26 °C and a pH of 6.5-7.0 represents a comfortable middle ground. Soft to moderately hard water is ideal, though captive-bred specimens (when available) tend to tolerate a broader range of hardness values than wild-caught fish.

Water quality, rather than precise chemistry, is the most critical factor for long-term health. As a large, protein-rich predator, the Lima Shovelnose produces a considerable bioload. Ammonia and nitrite must be maintained at zero at all times, and nitrate should be kept below 20 ppm through a combination of efficient biological filtration, regular water changes, and sensible stocking levels. Weekly water changes of 30-50% are recommended for most setups housing this species.

Consistency is key. Sudden swings in temperature, pH, or hardness are more harmful than slightly suboptimal but stable values. When performing water changes, match the temperature and chemistry of the replacement water as closely as possible to the tank water. Using a dechlorinator or water conditioner is, of course, essential whenever mains water is added.

Filtration and Equipment

Given the size of the Lima Shovelnose and the volume of the aquarium required to house it, robust filtration is absolutely essential. A high-quality external canister filter – or ideally a pair of them – rated for the full tank volume should form the backbone of the filtration system. Aim for a total turnover rate of at least four to six times the tank volume per hour. For a 1,000-litre tank, this means combined filter flow rates of 4,000-6,000 litres per hour.

Sump-based filtration systems are an excellent choice for very large aquaria and offer the advantage of housing substantial volumes of biological media, as well as providing a convenient location for heaters, probes, and other equipment away from the main display. Sumps also increase the total water volume of the system, which adds stability.

Biological filtration media should be prioritised. Ceramic rings, sintered glass media, and similar high-surface-area materials provide the substrate for the nitrifying bacteria that process the significant ammonia output of a large predatory catfish. Mechanical filtration via foam or filter floss will capture particulate waste, while a thin layer of activated carbon can be used periodically to polish the water and remove dissolved organic compounds, though it is not strictly necessary on a permanent basis.

An appropriately sized aquarium heater – or multiple heaters for redundancy – should be used to maintain a stable temperature. Inline heaters installed on the canister filter return line are a safer option than submersible heaters placed inside the tank, as large catfish can knock into and damage glass heaters. If submersible heaters must be used, protect them with a heater guard.

A moderate level of water flow is appreciated and helps to simulate the riverine conditions the species encounters in the wild. Powerheads or wavemakers can be used to supplement filter outflow, but avoid creating excessively turbulent conditions. The Lima Shovelnose prefers gentle to moderate current and will seek out calmer areas to rest during the day.

An air pump and airstone are not strictly required if surface agitation from the filter outflow is sufficient to maintain good dissolved oxygen levels. However, given the warm water temperatures and high bioload, supplementary aeration is a sensible precaution, particularly during summer months when dissolved oxygen levels naturally decline.

Diet and Feeding

The Lima Shovelnose is an obligate predator in the wild, feeding primarily on small fishes, shrimps, and aquatic invertebrates. In captivity, it can be weaned onto a diet of dead, meaty foods, though patience may be required – particularly with wild-caught specimens that are accustomed to live prey.

An ideal captive diet includes high-quality sinking pellets formulated for large predatory catfish, frozen foods such as prawns, lance fish, smelt, whitebait, and mussel, and occasional offerings of earthworms or river shrimp. Variety is important to ensure a balanced nutritional intake. Avoid feeding mammalian or avian meats (such as beef heart or chicken), as these contain fats that tropical fish cannot efficiently metabolise, potentially leading to fatty liver disease and other health issues over time.

Live feeder fish should be avoided. They carry a significant risk of introducing parasites and disease to your aquarium, and they are nutritionally inferior to purpose-bred frozen foods. Furthermore, reliance on live feeders can make it extremely difficult to transition the fish onto prepared or frozen diets later. If you acquire a specimen that initially refuses dead food, try offering pieces of prawn or fish fillet on a feeding stick, gently waving it near the catfish during the evening hours when it is most active. Most specimens will accept dead food within a few weeks.

Juvenile Lima Shovelnose should be fed daily to support their rapid growth. Sub-adults and adults can be fed every other day or three to four times per week. Overfeeding is a common mistake with large predatory catfish and contributes to poor water quality, obesity, and fatty liver disease. Feed only as much as the fish will consume in a few minutes, and remove any uneaten food promptly.

Because this species is nocturnal, feeding in the evening or shortly after lights-out tends to yield the best response. Many keepers find that their Lima Shovelnose becomes more willing to feed during daylight hours over time, but this should not be forced.

Behaviour and Temperament

The Lima Shovelnose is often described as a “gentle giant” among predatory catfish, and this reputation is broadly deserved – with one critical caveat. While it is peaceful and non-aggressive toward fish of a similar size or larger, it will readily consume any fish small enough to fit into its surprisingly capacious mouth. This is not aggression; it is simply predation, and it is a fundamental aspect of the species’ biology that must be respected when choosing tank mates.

During daylight hours, the Lima Shovelnose is largely inactive. It will rest on the substrate, wedge itself into gaps between driftwood, or adopt its signature head-down vertical resting posture among tall plants or decor. This behaviour can alarm new keepers who may believe the fish is sick or stressed, but it is entirely normal and is, in fact, a sign that the fish feels secure enough in its environment to rest openly.

As evening approaches and lighting dims, the fish becomes noticeably more active. It will begin to patrol the tank, cruising slowly along the bottom and midwater with a characteristic gliding motion, using its barbels to investigate potential food sources. This is the best time to observe and feed the fish.

Toward conspecifics, the Lima Shovelnose is generally tolerant, and small groups can be maintained in very large aquaria (1,500 litres or more). Minor squabbles over preferred resting spots may occur, but serious aggression is uncommon. In community settings with other large, robust species, the Lima Shovelnose is typically a model citizen, ignoring tank mates that are too large to be considered prey.

It is worth noting that this species can be somewhat timid, particularly when newly introduced to a tank or when kept under excessively bright lighting. Providing ample cover and subdued lighting will go a long way toward encouraging the fish to settle in and display its natural behaviours.

Tank Mates

Selecting appropriate tank mates for the Lima Shovelnose requires careful consideration of size compatibility above all else. Any fish that can fit into the catfish’s mouth will eventually be eaten, regardless of how long the two species have coexisted. As a general rule, tank mates should be at least half the body length of the shovelnose catfish, and ideally two-thirds or more. Beyond size, compatible species should be peaceful to moderately assertive, tolerant of warm, soft to moderately hard water, and robust enough to share space with a large predatory catfish.

Good tank mates

• Oscar – A robust, similarly-sized cichlid that is too large and assertive to be considered prey, and generally coexists well with large catfish.
• Silver Arowana – A classic large-tank companion that occupies the upper water column, leaving the bottom and midwater to the shovelnose.
• Common Pleco – A heavily armoured bottom-dweller that is ignored by predatory catfish and helps with algae control in large setups.
• Sailfin Pleco – Another large, well-armoured pleco species that occupies a different ecological niche and poses no compatibility issues.
• Severum – A peaceful, medium-to-large cichlid that is a good companion provided it is large enough not to be consumed.
• Bichir – Polypterus species are well-armoured, bottom-dwelling predators that coexist peacefully with shovelnose catfish in large tanks.
• Flagtail Prochilodus – A large, active characin from the same South American river systems that adds movement to the midwater zone.
• Giant Gourami – A very large, generally peaceful species that shares similar water parameter preferences and is far too big to be eaten.

Fish to avoid

• Neon Tetra – Far too small; these would be consumed immediately and are simply an expensive live food offering.
• Guppy – Tiny livebearers that would be swallowed whole without hesitation by any shovelnose catfish.
• Corydoras – Although fellow catfish, Corydoras species are much too small and would be treated as prey items.
• Cardinal Tetra – Like neon tetras, these are bite-sized snacks for any predatory catfish of this size.
• Red-Tail Catfish – While not prey, red-tail catfish grow enormously large (over 120 cm) and will eventually dominate and potentially consume a Lima Shovelnose.
• Tiger Shovelnose Catfish – Grows significantly larger than the Lima Shovelnose, and large specimens may attempt to consume smaller tank mates.
• Flowerhorn – A highly aggressive and territorial cichlid that can bully and injure the relatively peaceful Lima Shovelnose.
• Jaguar Cichlid – An extremely aggressive predatory cichlid that poses a serious threat to the more docile shovelnose.

Breeding

Breeding the Lima Shovelnose in captivity is exceptionally challenging and has been achieved only rarely outside of commercial fish farms. In the aquaculture industry in South America, spawning is typically induced through the use of hormonal injections (such as carp pituitary extract or synthetic GnRH analogues), a technique that is impractical and largely inaccessible to home aquarists. Natural spawning in home aquaria is virtually undocumented.

Sexing adult Lima Shovelnose is difficult. Females are generally reported to be slightly heavier-bodied than males when viewed from above, particularly when gravid, but there are no reliable external sexually dimorphic characters. Some experienced keepers suggest that males may have slightly longer or more robust pectoral fin spines, but this has not been conclusively demonstrated.

In the wild, spawning is believed to be triggered by the onset of the rainy season, with its associated changes in water chemistry (a drop in hardness and pH due to dilution by rainwater), rising water levels, and increased food availability. Replicating these conditions in captivity would require a very large system, the ability to perform massive soft-water changes, and a mature, well-conditioned pair – conditions that are beyond the scope of most hobbyists.

Should spawning occur, the species is reported to be an egg scatterer, releasing eggs over submerged vegetation or the substrate in open water. The eggs are non-adhesive and relatively small. No parental care has been observed. Fry would need to be raised on very small live foods such as newly hatched brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii) and microworms before being gradually transitioned to larger fare.

Given the extreme difficulty of breeding this species, most specimens in the hobby are either wild-caught or produced in commercial aquaculture facilities. If breeding is your goal, this is not the species to attempt it with unless you have considerable experience with large pimelodid catfish and access to appropriate hormonal spawning protocols.

Common Diseases

The Lima Shovelnose is a hardy species that is not especially susceptible to disease when kept in clean, well-maintained water. However, like all large predatory catfish, it can fall victim to a range of common freshwater fish ailments if conditions deteriorate or if new, unquarantined fish or food items introduce pathogens.

White spot disease (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis) is one of the most frequently encountered illnesses. It presents as small white cysts on the body and fins and is typically triggered by temperature fluctuations or stress. Treatment involves gradually raising the water temperature to 30 °C and, if necessary, using a half-dose of a malachite green or formalin-based medication. Note that scaleless and partially scaled catfish such as the Lima Shovelnose can be sensitive to certain medications, so always use reduced dosages and monitor the fish closely during treatment.

Bacterial infections, including fin rot and skin ulcers, can occur if water quality is allowed to decline. Elevated ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate levels weaken the fish’s immune system and provide an entry point for opportunistic bacteria. Treatment involves correcting the underlying water quality issue first, followed by the use of a broad-spectrum antibacterial treatment if symptoms persist.

Fungal infections (saprolegniasis) may develop on wounds, abrasions, or areas of skin damaged by rough substrate or sharp decor. Ensuring a smooth sand substrate and avoiding sharp-edged decorations will minimise the risk of physical injury. Fungal infections are treated with antifungal medications such as methylene blue or proprietary aquarium fungal treatments.

Internal parasites are a particular concern with wild-caught specimens and with fish that have been fed live feeder fish. Symptoms may include weight loss despite a good appetite, white or stringy faeces, and a generally emaciated appearance. Antiparasitic medications containing praziquantel or levamisole can be effective, but diagnosis and treatment should ideally be guided by a veterinarian experienced with ornamental fish.

Fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) is a long-term health risk for predatory catfish that are overfed, fed an unvaried diet, or given inappropriate foods such as mammalian meat. Prevention is far preferable to treatment: feed a varied diet of appropriate foods in moderate quantities, and avoid the temptation to overfeed simply because the fish is willing to eat.

FAQs

How big do Lima Shovelnose catfish get in captivity?

In a suitably sized aquarium with good water quality and proper nutrition, the Lima Shovelnose typically reaches 40 to 50 cm in total length. Some specimens may approach 60 cm, though this is more common in the wild or in very large systems. Growth rate is relatively rapid during the first two to three years, after which it slows considerably. It is essential to plan for the adult size of this fish from the outset, rather than starting it in a small tank with the intention of upgrading later.

Why does my Lima Shovelnose rest vertically with its head pointing downward?

This head-down resting posture is completely normal behaviour for Sorubim lima and is one of the species’ most distinctive traits. In the wild, this posture is thought to serve as camouflage, helping the fish blend in with submerged roots, branches, and vegetation. In captivity, providing tall pieces of driftwood or dense plantings of tall aquatic plants will encourage this behaviour and help the fish feel secure. If your shovelnose is resting head-down among decor, it is a good sign that it is comfortable in its environment.

Can I keep a Lima Shovelnose in a community tank?

Yes, but only if all tank mates are too large to be swallowed. The Lima Shovelnose is a predatory fish with a large, expandable mouth, and it will consume any fish that it can physically ingest. Compatible tank mates include other large South American species such as oscars, silver arowanas, large plecos, severums, and bichirs. Small community fish such as tetras, rasboras, and livebearers should never be housed with this species.

Is the Lima Shovelnose the same as the Tiger Shovelnose?

No, they are different species. The Lima Shovelnose (Sorubim lima) is a smaller, more slender species that typically reaches 40 to 50 cm in captivity. The Tiger Shovelnose (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum or Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum, depending on the species in question) grows considerably larger, often exceeding 90 cm, and has a more robust build with distinctive tiger-like barring. While both are pimelodid catfish from South America, they have different care requirements and space needs, with the Tiger Shovelnose demanding a substantially larger aquarium.

Will my Lima Shovelnose eat pellets or only live food?

Most Lima Shovelnose catfish can be trained to accept high-quality sinking pellets designed for large predatory fish, though the transition may take time, especially with wild-caught individuals. The key is to offer pellets during the evening when the fish is naturally active and hungry, and to be patient. Using feeding tongs to present pellets can also help, as the movement can trigger a feeding response. Supplementing the diet with frozen prawns, smelt, and other meaty foods alongside pellets ensures nutritional variety and keeps the fish interested in feeding.

Related Guides

• Tiger Shovelnose Catfish – A larger pimelodid catfish often confused with the Lima Shovelnose, requiring even more substantial aquarium space.
• Red-Tail Catfish – Another iconic South American predatory catfish, useful for understanding the challenges of keeping very large pimelodids.
• Oscar – One of the most popular large cichlid tank mates for shovelnose catfish, with its own detailed care requirements.
• Common Pleco – A compatible bottom-dwelling species frequently kept alongside large predatory catfish in South American biotope setups.
• Silver Arowana – A surface-dwelling predator that complements the bottom-oriented Lima Shovelnose in large community aquaria.