Tiger Shovelnose Catfish
Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum
What you need to keep a Tiger Shovelnose Catfish
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pH
6–7.5
Temperature
24–28 °C
Max size
100 cm
Min tank
2000 L
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Tiger Shovelnose Catfish.
What Tiger Shovelnose Catfish costs in South Africa
4 price points from 3 shops over 90 days
R125
cheapest of 2 shops today
SA median R348 across 3 shops over the last 90 days.
3 shops
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
The Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is an elegant, torpedo-shaped predator featuring bold black tiger stripes on a silvery body and a dramatically flattened, spatula-like snout. A fast-swimming open-water catfish from the Amazon and Orinoco basins, it hunts actively at night. Its sleek profile and striking pattern make it one of the most visually impressive large catfish. It is an active swimmer that requires a very long tank with strong filtration and excellent water quality.
Key traits
Care guide
Keeping Tiger Shovelnose Catfish healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
A minimum 2000L aquarium suits Tiger Shovelnose Catfish. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6–7.5 and 24–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Tiger Shovelnose Catfish last so territories reset.
Breeding
Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is rarely bred in captivity; most SA hobbyists buy from shops and breeders.
Community photos
From hobbyists across SA.
Market intelligence
Price trends and buyer demand — data only FishHub tracks.
Price history — last 90 days
SA price range this month: R145–345 · Average: R310
This data is unique to FishHub
Demand by province
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