A striking and highly sought-after predatory catfish from the fast-flowing Amazonian rapids. Known for its striking vertical zebra stripes and incredibly long dorsal fin streamer. They are a 'monster fish' requiring massive enclosures, pristine water, and extreme oxygenation. They are very sensitive to poor water quality.
Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) At a Glance
Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) Tank Requirements
Will Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) Water Parameters
Water care products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) Temperament & Compatibility
Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard (Adult)
The fully grown adult. Requires a massive custom aquarium (300+ gallons) with powerful filtration, wavemakers to simulate river rapids, and extremely high dissolved oxygen.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Adult Tigrinus, Fully Grown
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young Tigrinus are extremely delicate and sensitive to water quality swings. They grow rapidly and will quickly consume smaller tank mates. Must upgrade tank size as they grow.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Baby Tigrinus, Grow out
Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) Care Guide Summary
The Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish), scientifically known as Brachyplatystoma tigrinum, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 60 cm and have a depressed body shape with a fast growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a extreme level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 1135 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–7.5 and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard (Adult) and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish), a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Feeding products
We may earn from qualifying purchases
.webp?2026-04-25T14%3A35%3A38.022Z)
Frequently Asked Questions About Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
How big does Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) get?
Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) (Brachyplatystoma tigrinum) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 60 cm. They have a depressed body shape and a fast growth rate.
What tank size does Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 1135 litres and a tank length of at least 240 cm are recommended for Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) need?
Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 2–12 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) peaceful or aggressive?
Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) live alone?
Yes, Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) benefits from sand (sifters), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
Melanotaenia maccullochi
Ideal Tank MatesExquisite Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia exquisita
Ideal Tank MatesEastern Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia splendida
Ideal Tank MatesCrimsonspotted Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia duboulayi
Ideal Tank MatesCorona Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia corona
Ideal Tank MatesDwarf Molly
Poecilia chica
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
These plants pair well with Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Water Fern
Bolbitis heudelotii
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
Capuron's Aponogeton
Aponogeton capuronii
Madagascar Lace Plant
Aponogeton madagascariensis
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Fish Similar to Zebra Shovelnose (Tigrinus Catfish)
Zebra Pleco (L046)
Hypancistrus zebra
A highly sought-after, strikingly beautiful black-and-white striped pleco endemic to the fast-flowing Xingu River in Brazil. Unlike common plecostomus, it is primarily carnivorous (a micropredator) and will not clean algae. They are notoriously shy, slow-growing, and require highly oxygenated, warm water with vigorous flow to thrive.
Zebra Spiny Eel
Mastacembelus zebrinus
The Zebra Spiny Eel is a fascinating, small eel-like fish native to the Inle Lake region of Myanmar. Known for its striking vertical stripes and elongated snout, it is a peaceful but shy bottom-dweller. It strictly requires a soft sand substrate to burrow into, as gravel can severely damage its skin and lead to fatal bacterial infections. A micropredator by nature, it will hunt small shrimp and fry but remains entirely peaceful toward appropriately sized tank mates. A tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory, as they are notorious escape artists.
Zebra Danio
Danio rerio
One of the most robust and active aquarium fish available. Native to South Asia, they are a model organism in science due to their genetics. They are extremely active top-level swimmers that must be kept in schools to prevent stress and fin-nipping. They prefer cooler, oxygen-rich water with a current.
Pictus Catfish
Pimelodus pictus
An extremely active, striking silver catfish with black spots and incredibly long barbels, native to South America. While peaceful toward similarly sized tank mates, they are highly effective nocturnal predators that will easily swallow small fish (like Neon Tetras) whole. They are scaleless and possess sharp pectoral spines that can easily become entangled in aquarium nets.
Adolfo Cory
Corydoras adolfoi
Adolfo's Corydoras is a highly sought-after, peaceful schooling catfish native to the blackwater habitats of the Rio Negro basin. They are easily identified by their bright orange nape and distinct black eye stripe. Like all corydoras, they require soft sand substrate to protect their delicate sensory barbels as they constantly sift the bottom for food.
Zebra Tilapia
Heterotilapia buttikoferi
A large, highly intelligent riverine cichlid from West Africa renowned for its bold black and white vertical stripes. However, it is also infamous for its extreme, often lethal aggression. Adults are usually completely intolerant of tank mates (including conspecifics) and will heavily rearrange decor, destroy plants, and smash heaters. It is highly recommended to keep them as a solitary 'wet pet'.