Common Names: Lima Shovel-Nosed catfish, Striped Shovel Nose, Duckbeak Shovel Nose.

Habitat: Widespread throughout the Amazon Basin in larger rivers.

Length: To at least 18 inches.

Diet: Carnivore

The Lima shovel nose is a member of the family Pimelodidae (say: pim meh LOAD id dee). It belongs to the group of pimelodids known collectively as "shovel noses". Other shovel noses are the Tiger Catfish (Pseudoplatystoms fasciatum), the Roundhead Shovelnose (Sorubimichthys planiceps), and Merodontotus tigrinus. All members of the family Pimelodidae are found only in the Americas. All are also predators in their natural habitat.

Of all the large predatory catfishes found in the aquarium trade, S. lima is perhaps the best suited to aquarium life. Although they are capable of reaching a great size, the majority of tank-raised specimens seem to be fully grown at just over 12 inches. A 55 gallon tank would be the minimum size in which this fish would prosper. They are quite sociable as big cats go and it is possible to keep a group of these catfish in one tank. Three Lima shovel noses would do well in a 55 gallon tank. This is especially true if all three are raised in the same tank together.

Water chemistry is not a problem. These fish do well in a wide range of conditions. The most important thing is that the water is kept clean. Good filtration should be combined with weekly water changes of 30%-40% of the tank's volumne. To best replicate this fish's natural habitat the water should be neutral and soft. A strong current from a powerhead will also make them feel more at home. Decorate the tank with larges pieces of driftwood. These should be placed so as to form "tree roots". This effect is easily accomplished by attaching suction cups to the drftwood and "sticking" the wood to the back and sides of the tank. Plants will have to be chosen carefully as S. lima will sometimes dig.

In nature, the Lima shovel nose hides in a head down position next to the roots of large trees. It waits in this manner for unsuspecting prey to wonder by. One nice thing about S. lima is that they can be weaned off of live foods easily. This should be a priority with new acquasitions as feeders often get the final revenge by spreading a disease to their predator. Sinking food tablets are fine for day to day feeding. Large earthworms are also appreciated and will not spread disease. Crickets are also eaten.

The Lima shovel nose has not been bred in captivity. There is one report that a pair laid eggs in a nest they constructed in the aquarium, but no fry hatched. A 100 gallon tank with 5-6 S. lima would be fascinating to watch and may allow the aquarist to be the first to spawn this wonderful catfish. Tankmates must be chosen with graet care. Large cichlids could be experimented with, but should not be aggressive species. Large plecos and other catfishes would be great tank-mates.