Catfish: Tiger Shovelnose

Hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis

Tiger Shovelnose catfish are characterized by their large size, often exceeding 3 feet in length, a long, slender body with a silver coloration, black stripes and spots that give them that tiger like appearance. They have a unique shovel shaped head.

Size and Lifespan

Tiger Shovelnose catfish grow to the length of 36 inches. With proper care and adequate housing, they can live 18-25 years!

Tank Size and Requirements

We recommend a tank that is 200 gallons for a full grown specimen. Due to their size, temperament, and need for space, they require a large, well-equipped aquarium and should be kept with larger, non-aggressive tank mates. They are also predatory and can be aggressive themselves.

Diet

Tiger Shovelnose Catfish are carnivores with a diet consisting primarily of fish, crustaceans, and other protein rich foods. High quality sinking catfish pellets, meaty frozen foods, worms and fish fillets are recommended.