Lima Shovelnose Catfish... aka “the beast”

[Jhefnerjr]

New to the forum and first post.

So... I have an Amazon tank with an Oscar, two electric blue acara, a chocolate cic, bristle nose and “the beast”.

I generally keep a small school of rosey reds or tetras as dither fish and in case anyone is feeling a bit hungry. But this shovel nose eats at least two fish a night. Pretty much anything that will fit in his belly. But he won’t touch shrimp, tilapia, pellets or other non-live food.

Any advice on how or if I have a chance to convert him. He’s a really cool but I’d like to see if I can control how and what he’s eating a bit more. And I’m a bit concerned he may grow quicker than my acara and have a go at one of them.

 

[kno4te]

Welcome to the forum. Have a little lsn myself. Not way to convert the fish. Keep well fed and keep larger fish that cannot be swallowed. Best best to avoid tankamtes getting eaten. Also could be the Oscar.

 

[tlindsey]

Welcome aboard
Nice looking Lima Shovel Nose. Please quarantine and treat the Rosy Red Minnows prior to feeding to the Catfish.

 

[Jhefnerjr]

Thanks and that’s a great point. I’ve not had any issues so far but better safe thank sorry.

 

[Jhefnerjr]

I guess I’ll just have to keep up with the live feeders for him. The Oscar eats the FT shrimp and tilapia. He’s like a big Labrador Retriever. Kinda lazy, really affectionate and always wants to be fed. Not aggressive at all.

 

[Joshuakahan]

New to the forum and first post.

So... I have an Amazon tank with an Oscar, two electric blue acara, a chocolate cic, bristle nose and “the beast”.

I generally keep a small school of rosey reds or tetras as dither fish and in case anyone is feeling a bit hungry. But this shovel nose eats at least two fish a night. Pretty much anything that will fit in his belly. But he won’t touch shrimp, tilapia, pellets or other non-live food.

Any advice on how or if I have a chance to convert him. He’s a really cool but I’d like to see if I can control how and what he’s eating a bit more. And I’m a bit concerned he may grow quicker than my acara and have a go at one of them.

View attachment 1444193

View attachment 1444194

View attachment 1444195

As long as there’s a source of prey fish for the Lima to catch, I don’t think you can convert him. There’s no motivation for him to try other foods when he can catch his own dinner

 

[Jacob92677]

My Lima loved omega one sinking pellets
Didn’t have a hard time either gettin him off shrimp either
Get rid of the live food and small
Fish in the tank and I bet he’d wait for the pellets
Also be carful the acara will end up in his belly sooner than later