Lima Shovelnose size

[sandtiger]

Okay...just how large do these fish grow? All the information I have been reading is different from the other sources. I have read as small as 12" and as large as 30" on other sites. What's the deal? What is the largest you have kept?

 

[Honda12]

According to planet catfish they get 12in.
http://www.planetcatfish.com/catelog/pimelodi/sorubim/98_F.PHP

But like you said I have found mixed info on size for them too. I have seen one a foot before in person so I know they get at least that big. Plus they are one of the smaller shovelnose catfish so I assume that they wouldn't get much bigger than a foot. But I could be wrong.

 

[mudskipper]

18in

 

[Daniel Machado]

At least a foot... maybe more. Not much consistent info on this subject.

Best regards.

Daniel.

 

[toxicfish]

All the ones I have ever owned grew to between 12"-14"

 

[Knifefishlover13]

I've kept this cat at 15 inches in a 55-gallon tank with a knifefish. I've had him in this setup for a year with no problems.

 

[Jason_S]

I always thought around 18" under optimal conditions.

 

[dacox]

I've heard 18" too. They always say, "18" in the wild," but if you take good care of it I'd imagine it could attain this length in an aquarium too. I've kept them to about a foot too so they definately get at least that big.