All FishesPIMELODIDAEPseudoplatystoma  |  | 

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Scientific NamePseudoplatystoma tigrinum    (Valenciennes, 1840)
Common NamesTiger Shovelnose Catfish
Tsn (Abbreviation)
Type LocalityBrazil.
Synonym(s)Platystoma punctatum, Platystoma tigrinum, Platystoma truncatum
PronunciationSUE doh plah tee stow mah
Etymology(Greek)Pseudos=False +(Greek)platys=flat +(Greek)stoma=mouth. pimele, fat; –odes, having the form of, i.e., fatty, referring to their adipose fins (at the time, this was a catch-all family for many species, most of which possess a “fatty” or adipose fin).
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Size1300mm or 51.2" SL. Find near, nearer or same sized spp.
Hop to next section Habitat Information
DistributionSouth America
Amazon (click on these areas to find other species found there)
Orinoco (click on these areas to find other species found there)

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IUCN Red List Category
Least Concern
, a distribution map is available on the IUCN species page. Last assessed 2020.
pH6.0 - 7.6
Temperature22.0-26.0°C or 71.6-78.8°F (Show species within this range)
Hop to next section Husbandry Information
FeedingCarnivore feeding on a very mixed and varied diet including earthworms, whole prawns, mussels, fish fillets, floating sticks/pellets and catfish pellets. User data.
FurnitureLarge, spacious tank with open space for night time cruising. A large shady bogwood root or pipe that the catfish can retreat to during the day is also required. Ensure the heater is in the open and not in a place where the catfish may try and hide. When larger a hide is not necessary.
CompatibilityIdeally suited to life with other large fish. These catfish are predatory and will eat smaller fish if hungry. Claimed by some to behave aggressively/territorially towards other catfish.
Suggested TankmatesOther large catfish such as Oxydoras, Pterodoras and Megalodoras. Other fish should always be over half of its body length.
BreedingUnreported in captivity although is commercially bred via egg stripping method which is often the source of fishes entering aquarium trade.
Breeding ReportsThere is no breeding report.
Hop to next section Further Information
ReferenceHistoire naturelle des poissons v. 15, pp 10, Pl. 422.
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There are 7 records of this fish being seen, view them all.
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Look up on Encyclopedia of LifeLook up P. tigrinum on Encyclopedia of Life
Look up on Global Biodiversity Information FacilityLook up P. tigrinum on Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Pseudoplatystoma tigrinum QR codeLFS label creator
ARN ref:1.15.116.329
Last UpdateSat Apr 20, 2024 9:31 am (Species record created: Thu Jan 01, 1970 1:00 am)