Leopard Shovelnose Catfish

🐟 LEOPARD SHOVELNOSE CATFISH 🌎 Origin: South America — mainly the Amazon & Orinoco river systems 📏 Adult Size: 1.5 to 2.5ft can become very large in captivity 🏠 Tank Size: Minimum 4ft and more for an adult; larger is strongly recommended 🌡️ Temperature: 24–28°C 💧 pH: 6.0–7.5 ⚡ Temperament: Generally peaceful with similarly sized fish, but a predatory feeder that may eat smaller tank mates ⏳ Lifespan: Around 10–15+ years with excellent care 🍤 Feeding: High-quality carnivorous pellets, prawns, fish pieces, and other meaty foods. Feed appropriately sized portions and avoid overfeeding. 🐠 Tank Mates: Large, robust fish such as Arowana ,Arapaima, large Oscars, big Cichlids, large Plecos and other similarly sized catfish. Avoid small fish. 🪨 Tank Setup & Care: • Large open swimming area with plenty of floor space • Fine sand or smooth substrate is preferable • Provide sturdy driftwood/rocks but leave ample room for movement • Powerful filtration and excellent oxygenation are essential • Keep the aquarium securely covered — large catfish can jump • Maintain stable water parameters and perform regular water changes 💙 AAF Tips: This is a monster catfish, so plan for its adult size before purchasing. A juvenile may look manageable initially, but it can grow rapidly and eventually requires a very large aquarium or dedicated setup.