So, thinking about getting a Lima shovelnose... tank size min?

[Jayfish7]

Hey,


I am thinking about getting a lima shovel nose to add to my tank... my question is, what is the min size tank recommend for this cat?.. i currently have a 180g

I really love the shovel nose and the lima seems to be the "smallest"...

any advise is appreciated, thanks!

 

[divemaster99]

For a true Sorubim lima, I'd say 180. In the us most fish labeled as Lima Shovelnose will actually be Sorubim elongatus who for most of the time would do well in a 100 gallon. However there are some true Limas that you'll see occasionally so I wouldn't risk it. The two species are nearly impossible for even experts to tell apart, you can normally make an educated guess once they're fully grown though.

 

[Jayfish7]

so either way (either one) would do fine in my 180... awesome!

any other shovel noses that would do well in a 180? (even though i got my eye on a lima)

thx so much

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

True lima won't fit in 180 when it grows to 1.5'-2'. ~999 to 1000 you won't get lima but elongatus (which will be sold under the name of lima) which maxes out at 1'. 180 gal is an ok size for a nice school of 6.

 

[divemaster99]

Oh sorry, forgot to put a plus at the end of 180. Yeah a true lima would need a 180+ was what I was trying to say. Smaller end ones would be fine in your tank but average-large adult limas would really need a 30" wide tank to be happy. Maybe a Brachyplatystoma tigrinus in a 180 but that's really pushing your limits IMHO. Definitely don't even think about any of the Pseudoplatystoma species

 

[Jayfish7]

Thanks for the advice, that's what I was thinking..... Hmmm school of 6!?!?

 

[thebiggerthebetter]

They like schooling and look much better, feel better, more secure, and their behavior is much more interesting as they hide less or don't hide much at all and interact with each other. I'd go for 12 and have only them in the tank when they are adults