SORUBIM LIMA

Sorubim Lima, commonly known as the Lima Shovelnose Catfish, is a large species of catfish native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins in South America. It is renowned for its impressive size, striking appearance, and unique behavior. However, due to its potential size and specialized care requirements, this species is best suited for experienced aquarium keepers with large tanks. The Lima Shovelnose Catfish is a carnivorous species that requires ample space, water quality, and an appropriate diet to thrive.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size:
  • Sorubim Lima can grow quite large, reaching lengths of 3 feet (90 cm) or more in the wild, although aquarium specimens are generally smaller. A minimum of 180 gallons (680 liters) is recommended for a single fish, though larger tanks (over 250 gallons) are ideal, especially if keeping multiple individuals or other large tankmates.
  • Provide plenty of open swimming space, as this species is an active swimmer and needs room to maneuver.
• Tank Setup:
  • Substrate: Use a soft, sandy substrate that is gentle on the fish’s barbels. Avoid sharp gravel that can cause injury.
  • Decor: Provide plenty of hiding places using driftwood, large rocks, and dense plants. While Sorubim Lima is an active swimmer, having caves or shaded areas is important for stress relief, especially at night.
  • Aquascaping: The setup should reflect the natural environment with fast-moving or moderate water flow, dense vegetation along the sides of the tank, and a clean, spacious central area for swimming.
• Lighting:
  • Moderate lighting works best for Sorubim Lima, as they come from murky, shaded waters in the wild. Too much direct light can stress the fish. Providing areas with shade or hiding spots is beneficial.
• Water Flow:
  • This species prefers a moderate water flow. In the wild, Sorubim Lima is found in slow-moving rivers, but it’s important to provide some current in the aquarium to mimic the natural environment. A gentle filter with good circulation is ideal.

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
• Hardness: Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH)
• Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm; nitrates should be kept below 20 ppm
• Water Changes: Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality. Perform weekly water changes of 20–30% to keep the water clean, especially since SorubimLlima is a large, messy eater that produces significant waste.

Diet

Sorubim Lima is a carnivorous species and requires a diet high in protein to thrive:

• Staple Foods:
  • High-quality carnivore pellets or sinking wafers. These should be designed for large catfish or carnivorous fish.
• Live/Frozen Foods:
  • Live or frozen foods such as fish fillets, shrimp, krill, earthworms, and bloodworms are excellent options.
  • Offering live foods occasionally can stimulate natural hunting behaviors.
• Feeding Schedule:
  • Feed Sorubim lima 2–3 times per week, offering portions that the fish can consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can lead to water quality issues, so be mindful not to leave uneaten food in the tank.
  • It’s important to vary the diet to ensure balanced nutrition.

Behavior and Compatibility

• Temperament:
  • Sorubim Lima is generally peaceful but can be somewhat territorial, especially with other large fish. They tend to be solitary and may not tolerate smaller fish or tankmates that they see as food.
  • This species is nocturnal, so it may be more active during the night or in low light. During the day, they may hide or stay in shaded areas.
  • As adults, they can become more territorial, especially in smaller tanks.
• Tankmates:
  • Sorubim Lima should be kept with other large, peaceful fish that won’t be intimidated or seen as food. Suitable tankmates include other large catfish, large tetras, and non-aggressive cichlids.
  • Avoid keeping with small or slow-moving fish, as they could become prey.
  • It’s important to ensure that all tankmates are similarly large and robust to avoid conflicts and predation.

Breeding

Breeding Sorubim Lima in captivity is not commonly achieved, as they require very specific conditions that are difficult to replicate in a home aquarium. In the wild, Sorubim Lima are known to inhabit slow-moving waters in large rivers, and breeding takes place during the rainy season, where they may exhibit specific behaviors linked to water levels and temperature changes.

There is limited documented success in breeding Sorubim Lima in aquariums, but it is theorized that breeding may require a large, well-established environment with natural water conditions and possibly a large breeding group.

Common Challenges

1. Water Quality:
   • Due to their large size and high waste production, maintaining good water quality can be challenging. Powerful filtration is required to handle the waste load, and regular water changes are essential.
2. Aggression:
   • While generally peaceful, Sorubim Lima can become territorial, especially if housed with other large fish. To prevent aggression, provide ample space and hiding spots.
3. Space Requirements:
   • This species grows large and needs a very spacious tank. Aquarists often underestimate the size requirements of Sorubim Lima, leading to stunted growth and health issues.
4. Feeding:
   • Feeding Sorubim Lima a proper diet can be costly, as they require high-quality protein. It’s also crucial not to overfeed, as this can affect water quality.

Interesting Facts

• Sorubim Lima is often confused with the Piraíba (Brachyplatystoma filamentosum) and other large catfish species from the Amazon basin. However, Sorubim Lima has a distinct appearance, characterized by its broad, flattened head and large, shovelnose-like snout, which it uses to sift through substrate for food.
• This species can live for many years, sometimes reaching 15–20 years in well-maintained aquariums.
• Sorubim Lima is known for being nocturnal, meaning it is most active at night. This can make them difficult to observe during the day, especially in a well-lit tank.
• These fish are often described as having a peaceful, somewhat shy temperament, but they do become more active and display their full behavior at night or in dimly lit conditions.

Care Summary

Aspect	Details
Tank Size	Minimum 180 gallons; larger for multiple fish
Water Parameters	pH 6.0–7.5, 75–82°F, soft to moderately hard water
Diet	Carnivorous: high-protein pellets, live/frozen foods like shrimp and fish
Temperament	Generally peaceful, but territorial with other large fish
Lifespan	15–20 years in captivity with proper care

Sorubim Lima is a fascinating, large, and beautiful species that requires a spacious and well-maintained aquarium. They can be great for experienced aquarists who are prepared to meet their unique needs. With proper care, they can thrive in a large community tank with other large, peaceful fish and live a long, healthy life.