Duckbill Catfish
Sorubim lima
Water Parameters
About
Elegant catfish with a flattened paddle-shaped snout (hence "duckbill"). Black and white lateral stripes. Fascinating nocturnal behavior, with a peculiar habit of resting on its side or upside down during the day.
Behavior & Temperament
Nocturnal predator that spends the day hidden, often lying on its side or upside down among logs. Active at night to hunt.
Feeding
Carnivore - small fish, shrimp, krill, fish pieces. Feed at night. Can be trained to accept dead foods.
Breeding
Not regularly bred in captivity. Migrates to spawn in the wild. Wild-caught.
Care Notes
Large hiding places for the day (big logs, tubes). Low lighting. Feed at night. Soft substrate. Secure lid. No scales – be careful with medications.
Compatibility
Nocturnal predator — will eat fish that fit in its mouth. Keep with medium to large fish. Peaceful during the day but actively hunts at night.
Quick Summary
| Scientific Name | Sorubim lima |
|---|---|
| Family | Pimelodidae |
| Category | Fish |
| Care Level | Advanced |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Max Size | 45.0 cm (17.7") |
| Min Tank | 500 L (132 gal) |
| Min Group | 1+ |
| Diet | Carnivore - small fish, shrimp, krill, fish pieces. Feed at night. Can be trained to accept dead foods. |
| Temperament | Nocturnal predator that spends the day hidden, often lying on its side or upside down among logs. Active at night to hunt. |
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