Spotted Tiger Shovelnose Catfish - (Pseudoplatystoma punctifer)

🐟 Spotted Tiger Shovelnose Catfish – (Pseudoplatystoma punctifer) – Large South American Predator Catfish

The Spotted Tiger Shovelnose Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma punctifer) is a striking, large-growing freshwater predator native to the Amazon Basin. Known for its elongated, flattened snout and bold pattern of black spots and bars, this species is an active swimmer and powerful hunter. Due to its massive adult size, it is best suited only for very large aquariums or indoor ponds.

🔎 Quick Facts – Spotted Tiger Shovelnose Catfish (Pseudoplatystoma punctifer)

• 📛 Common Names: Spotted Tiger Shovelnose, Spotted Shovelnose Catfish
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Pseudoplatystoma punctifer
• 🌍 Origin: Amazon Basin – Peru, Brazil, Ecuador
• 🎨 Appearance: Silver-gray body with bold black spots and irregular bars, long flattened snout, and forked tail
• 📏 Max Size: 4–5 feet (122–152 cm)
• 💎 Rarity: Occasionally available in the aquarium trade

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚠️ Predatory—will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth
• 🐟 Active and powerful swimmer requiring lots of open space
• 🤝 Best kept alone or with other very large, robust fish
• 🌙 Primarily nocturnal but can adapt to daytime activity in captivity

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 500+ gallons (preferably an indoor pond)
• 🌿 Large open swimming areas with minimal obstructions
• 🪵 Sturdy driftwood and rock structures for resting spots
• 💡 Moderate lighting
• 🌊 Strong filtration system to handle high waste output

💧 Water Parameters – Spotted Tiger Shovelnose Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 6.0–7.5
• 💧 Hardness: Soft to moderately hard

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous Predator

• 🐟 Whole fish, prawns, and shrimp
• 🦑 Squid, mussels, and other meaty seafood
• 🪱 Earthworms and other live/frozen foods
• ⚠️ Avoid feeding only live fish to prevent parasite introduction

📋 Spotted Tiger Shovelnose Overview Table

✨ Highlight:

• The Spotted Tiger Shovelnose Catfish is a truly massive South American predator that requires an extraordinary amount of space, making it suitable only for public aquariums or highly experienced hobbyists with very large enclosures.