Shipping do cost a lot. Had 2 before at 12" and died from hitting the glass when it got spook. It was back before on 2007 when I only had a 210g. Did another order for a 15" but came in dead. Did so many orders and kept on arriving dead that I had to gave up. They are actually easy to order it's just that the shipping part is too risky as they cost a lot.
Very nice addition to your tank. My favorite catfish of all.