Lima shovelnose catfish Care Guide

Care Process

The Lima shovelnose catfish is well-suited for moderate-level aquarists due to its challenging care requirements. It thrives in water with a pH level ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. The ideal temperature for the Lima shovelnose catfish is between 24°C and 28°C. Providing these specific conditions helps maintain the fish's health and wellbeing.

Tank Setup

To accommodate the Lima shovelnose catfish, a spacious tank is essential. Each fish requires at least 100 liters of water, and a minimum school size of 6 is recommended to ensure social interaction. These catfish are versatile in their habitat preferences, occupying surface, mid-tank, and bottom levels, making it important to provide a well-structured environment with ample swimming space. Decorations such as caves and dense plant cover can enhance the fish's comfort and provide hiding spots.

Feeding

The Lima shovelnose catfish has a varied diet. They can be fed flakes, pellets, and a variety of live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, and feeder fish. Additionally, they enjoy frozen shrimp, vegetable matter, and algae wafers. Providing a balanced diet with occasional color-enhancing food can support their vibrancy and health. Supplement their diet with freeze-dried foods, daphnia, micro worms, or stick-on tablets to ensure nutritional variety.

Behavior and Compatibility

Social in nature, the Lima shovelnose catfish generally exhibits a mostly peaceful demeanor. However, they can display aggressive tendencies, especially if they feel crowded or if tank conditions are poor. These fish are moderately territorial, so providing adequate space and a harmonious tank community is crucial. They may become slightly more aggressive during breeding periods, but this behavior is typically manageable with proper tank management.

Maintenance Level

Maintaining a suitable environment for the Lima shovelnose catfish requires moderate effort. Regular water changes, filtration, and monitoring of water parameters are necessary to keep the fish healthy. Their size and active nature contribute to increased waste production, necessitating efficient filtration systems. Despite their moderate maintenance needs, the affordability and unique characteristics of the Lima shovelnose catfish make them a rewarding addition to the appropriate aquarium setup.