Species profile
Lima Shovelnose Catfish
Sorubim lima
Semi aggressive
Hard care
900 L minimum aquarium
35–55 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
The main husbandry issue is adult scale. A 40–50+ cm fish needs a genuinely huge footprint and filtration capacity, not simply a high litre figure.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–30 °C
pH
6–7.5
GH
2–15 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
7
Large predatory catfish that is often calm toward fish too large to swallow. Small tankmates are food, and adults need enormous turning and cruising room.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
10–15 years
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
900 L
Minimum footprint
240 × 75 cm
Accepted scientific name
Sorubim lima
Alternative names
Lima Shovelnose, Duckbill Catfish, Shovelnose Catfish
Native range
Widespread tropical South American river basins, including Amazon, Orinoco and Paraná-Paraguay systems.
Natural habitat
Large rivers, channels and floodplain-connected waters with submerged wood and moderate current.
Diet & feeding
Predatory fish/invertebrate feeder. Use large sinking meaty pellets, earthworms, crustaceans and frozen foods; avoid routine live feeder fish.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
No reliable routine external sexing method is available for aquarium specimens.
Breeding
Aquarium breeding is impractical for normal home systems; reproduction is associated with large-river seasonal cycles and migrations.