55 gallon with lima shovelnose?

Question

Ok my brother is stubborn and only want fish like iridesents in a 55 but they get to big. So now he really likes lima shovelnose catfish and he wanted me to ask whether he could keep 1 in a 55. I know they get big but so many places they only need a 55 and one of my books says the need a tank of 36" L 12" H 18" W> please give me detail.

Thank You

(:

Answer 1

They can grow to 30" wild, but usually less then 20 in an aquarium.  

50 gallons is okay for a small fish of 10", but a larger tank will be needed later, like 100+ g's and long not tall.

Oh, a 36" L 12" H 18" W tank is only 34 gallons.  Again, okay for a smaller one, but not big'uns.

Answer 2

The Lima Shovel Nose catfish is the dwarf of all the shovelnose family. They grow to a measely size of 16.7" (SL).

Lime shovelnose catfish is not actually a very active fish and wouldn't require that much of swimming space. they tend to "stand" still in the tank, with the barbels moving about, waiting for something edible to pass by.

Keeping a lima shovelnose cat in a 55 gallon tank is acceptable.  

Answer 3

They should grow to maybe 12" long, but are quite slim bodied, so a 55gal isn't out of the question. Catfish tend to be less active and can handle a smaller tank for their size than other more active fish..

According to the link below a 55 is OK for them.

Looks like a much more sensible 'mini-monster' fish.

Ian