shovel nose catfish

[Flower1982]

How big of a tank does a shovel nosed catfish/Sorubim Lima need? The reason I ask is because we got one in at work and I was curious to know how big of a tank it's going to need. I know they get big. They get about a foot and a half right? I wanna try and make sure he goes to someone who has a large tank.
Is it peaceful? I'm guessing it's going to need 150 to 200 gallon tank? But since I don't know i'm asking you guys lol. Right now he's about 2 and a half inches to 3 inches long.

 

[fishcatch22]

150-200G sounds about right.... they can get 30", but ive never seen one over 18" in captivity. hope he doesnt have any small tankmates, they'll probably become is lunchmates pretty quick... catfish are infamous for putting on size fast and eating fish nearly their own size. they arent one of the most successful groups of FW fish ever to live on this earth for no reason. he'd probably be fine with fish too big for him to eat, though. if you dont have a tank of at least 55 gallons to start id plan on getting one fast, or returning him to the store/find hima good home.

 

[toddnbecka]

They're peaceful critters, a bit touchy about water quality, not fond of low pH in general. They're ambush predators, hanging motionless in the water column, usually near cover, waiting for a small fish to come within striking range. They move very quickly when they want to...

 

[Flower1982]

I don't have a shovel nose catfish. The pet store where I work got one in yesterday. So he'll get around 18 inches? Ok I just wanted to find some more info on the shovel nose catfish so I can let customers know how big he gets and how big of a tank he needs.

Thanks for the info fishcatch22 and toddnbecka. I really appreciate it