Sharing what I've learned about Lima Shovelnose

[annamarie92]

I just wanted to share a bit of information I have learned whilst keeping my Lima. It's a beautiful fish and very active. She's grown pretty fast, roughly 3 inches in 2 1/2 months. One thing I learned recently, is the diet must be varied. I had an issue a couple of weeks ago where she completely went off food. I had been feeding frozen silversides and massivore consistently at that point. I couldn't get her to eat anything. This went on for about a week and a half, and finally I decided I would try an earthworm as a last resort. She loved it! After that, she began eating regularly again. Now I've learned to mix up the diet, feeding silversides, shrimp, krill, earthworms, whitefish fillet, and massivore. I think she got bored with eating the silversides and massivore everyday, switching it up seems to fix that problem. Now she's eating consistently every day and she is actively "hunting" when she sees me come to the tank. You can tell she gets excited. Also, she sheds her slime coat pretty regularly, I still haven't figured out a rhyme or reason to it.
All in all, I absolutely love this catfish. I wish I could keep more than one, but tank size is a limiting factor here.
Just wanted to share my experience so far, and hope it can help anyone considering this beautiful fish

 

[davenmandy]

Very cool, I like your insight, thanks for sharing.

 

[dazzapolypterusweeksii]

Good thread love the setup these catfish are definately under rated. not owned one myself but seen a setup with a group off them in and they had me hooked since keep your updates and observations coming

 

[jclyde13]

I've tried to keep LSN's 3 times now (4 individuals total), and every time, they've gotten killed and/or eaten by other fish. They're great fish, but they seem to be easy targets for anything even slightly aggressive/territorial (the last one was killed by a synodontis...).

 

[annamarie92]

Good thread love the setup these catfish are definately under rated. not owned one myself but seen a setup with a group off them in and they had me hooked since keep your updates and observations coming

Thanks!! They are definitely underrated. I hardly ever see any around my parts. I had to special order this one. It's not something my LFS regularly keeps in stock. I've heard they do better in groups, more social and that it's fun to watch them interact. Hopefully one day I can have a group!

 

[annamarie92]

I've tried to keep LSN's 3 times now (4 individuals total), and every time, they've gotten killed and/or eaten by other fish. They're great fish, but they seem to be easy targets for anything even slightly aggressive/territorial (the last one was killed by a synodontis...).

I could see that being a problem. They are pretty much moving targets. I keep mine with 2 juvenile oscars and a Jack Dempsey. Of course, they're still young but maybe I got lucky. They all seem to ignore her. I definitely wouldn't keep a Lima with anything super aggressive or anything that likes to nip. They are pretty laid back but they are prone to being spooked and darting about. I've heard stories of them breaking their snout on the glass when they get spooked.