Freshwater Fish Profile: Lima Shovelnose Catfish (Sorubim Lima)

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Thank you. I can understand that, but I did say I recommend 90 gallons and up. I think I also pointed out 6' is better. I understand the train of thought. I myself am keeping my lima in a 6' tank so he will be happy. I will edit out the 90 gallon part since it does bring up a good point.
It's not so much the Gallons or length but over all footprint. You want the fish to be able to move with atleast a little comfort. 48x24" over 72x18". I'd recommend atleast a 120g standard.
 
It's not so much the Gallons or length but over all footprint. You want the fish to be able to move with atleast a little comfort. 48x24" over 72x18". I'd recommend atleast a 120g standard.
I do like the 120 gallon aquariums, but I feel it would be crammed with the fish I want.
A lima won't do fine in a 125-180? I am a bit confused.
 
I do like the 120 gallon aquariums, but I feel it would be crammed with the fish I want.
A lima won't do fine in a 125-180? I am a bit confused.
If we are talking true Lima then no none of the tanks we mention will do for life in my opinion, the fish will inevitably become uncomfortable and then that hinders the experience of keeping it cause it won't act the way it would with more space. If we are talking average elongatus, than yes any of the tanks we mention will do, I just prefer 120 gallon over a 125 because of the additional width. Ofcourse a 180 would be better than both a 120 or 125. Again ideally I'd recommend minimum of 72x30" for a true Lima which is what I believe you were writing about. If we are talking what we get in regular shops, then yes one may get away with a 90g but for that get a 120. If you can get a 6' tank do a 180 over 125. More width and overall foot print the better.
 
If we are talking true Lima then no none of the tanks we mention will do for life in my opinion, the fish will inevitably become uncomfortable and then that hinders the experience of keeping it cause it won't act the way it would with more space. If we are talking average elongatus, than yes any of the tanks we mention will do, I just prefer 120 gallon over a 125 because of the additional width. Ofcourse a 180 would be better than both a 120 or 125. Again ideally I'd recommend minimum of 72x30" for a true Lima which is what I believe you were writing about. If we are talking what we get in regular shops, then yes one may get away with a 90g but for that get a 120. If you can get a 6' tank do a 180 over 125. More width and overall foot print the better.
Ok that sounds good. Thank you for clarifying that for me, I understand now. I wonder, how to id them? Here is a picture of my current lima.

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... I wonder, how to id them?

lol... you must have not read my post lol... which is alright. I don't expect anyone reading my posts, especially as long and dry as that one. But now that you're asking the question, you could read it.

... You seem to love South American Catfish. Would you be interested in being a guest to discusss South American catfish on my fish keeping podcast?

I am not worthy, nor qualified. I struggle to type up meaningful posts and it takes me a while to form my thoughts with even a beginning of clarity. Thank you, anyway.
 
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lol... you must have not read my post lol... which is alright. I don't expect anyone reading my posts, especially as long and dry as that one. But now that you're asking the question, you could read it.



I am not worthy, nor qualified. I struggle to type up meaningful posts and it takes me a while to form my thoughts with even a beginning of clarity. Thank you, anyway.
No, I remember what you said. It probably is an Elongatus, limas are rare.
Hey, don't think that way. You are worthy! I am no expert myself, but I love sharing my passion on tropical fish. I am not going to ask questions about breeding or sexing or hard questions I mostly will ask you your favorites, how you got into them,etc.
 
I need to find my Lima pics and post up the monster I used to have. Personally kept them to 22" in the past and was the biggest one in captivity I knew of at the time and still the biggest I've seen on MFK. Only ever seen one or two others that size and all in 15k gallon+ tanks outside the US.
 
Figured I'd put this here, it's a testament to how tough these guys are. Mine is about 10-12 inches in a 120. And his face is broken. Happened 3 years ago, the bugger lived. His whiskers cross over his head, so he turns the wrong way for food sometimes. He gets on fine now though. I thought for sure he'd die. He eats massivore like the ck.

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