This Pimelodid
is easy to spot because of its long, flat head that people
compare to a shovel. The body is silver or brown and will have
a thick dark like running from nose to tail. The belly is often
white. It will also have long black whiskers.
This is a nocturnal catfish that should be provided with dimmed
lighting. Use floating plants if you need to cut down the light.
Shovelnose are very large and very fast. The aquarium must be
large as well with plenty of open swimming room, preferably in
the middle. As nocturnal fish they will more than likely hide
during the day. Tall plants, rocks, driftwood, and a smooth or
sandy bottom are required. It is not odd to see this fish resting
vertically, don't let this behavior alarm you. Current should
be added through the use of strong filtration or a powerhead.
They are not usually aggressive except when being fed. For this
reason they should not be kept with small fish. Keep only with
larger fish. It will not attack fish that are obviously too big
to eat. Keep the pH stable at a neutral range and monitor water
qualities. Nitrate is not taken lightly. Water changes should
be performed bi-weekly.
Feed this fish after the lights go out and feed only meaty
foods. Live foods are typically preferred. Feeders and worms
are favorites.
Sexing is unknown.
Breeding in the home aquarium is believed to be impossible. |
