Sperata aor

Indian Shovelnose Catfish

Classification

Bagridae

Distribution

India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar.

Habitat

It inhabits both still and flowing bodies of water, including lakes, ponds, reservoirs and rivers.

Maximum Standard Length

72″ (180cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

A fully grown specimen would require a truly enormous aquarium. Something in the region of 288″ x 72″ x 144″ (720cm x 180cm x 360cm) – 48,930 litres, would be considered the bare minimum. Juvenile specimens can be grown on in smaller aquaria, but do grow quickly if well-fed.

Maintenance

Because the fish grows so huge, aquarium decor provides a challenge. Very large pieces of driftwood, or enormous rocks can be used, and should be arranged to provide areas of shelter. It also appreciates a soft, sandy substrate and dim lighting.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 68-77°F (20-25°C)

pH: 6.0-7.0

Hardness: 5-15°H

Diet

It is quite an unfussy feeder, and will accept dried pelleted, live, and meaty frozen foods. Larger specimens can be offered whole fresh or frozen fish, such as trout or sprats.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

Not only will it eat any fish it can fit in its capacious mouth, but it is territorial with its own kind, and is thus best kept alone in all but the very largest aquaria. In such a setting, possible tankmates include Pangasius spp., pacus and other tankbusting fish.

Sexual Dimorphism

Adult females tend to be rounder in the belly than males. Males also possess quite a long genital papilla located just in front of the anal fin.

Reproduction

Not thought to have been achieved in captivity. Reports suggest that the fish exhibit a remarkable breeding behaviour in nature, in which the eggs are incubated, and the fry initially fed, within specially adapted skin on the belly of the male.

NotesTop ↑

This “shovelnose” is unique amongst bagrids, but superficially resembles several unrelated South American catfish species. It’s common name is derived from it’s flattened, extended head. We cannot stress strongly enough that this is a species totally unsuited to aquarium life. Alarmingly, it is can sometimes be spotted in dealer’s tanks. When small, it makes an interesting and undeniably impressive addition to a large aquarium but bearing in mind its enormous adult size, you would require near unlimited resources to keep the fish for life.