Skip to content

Search

Popular pages

How to catch Porthole shovelnose catfish

Hemisorubim platyrhynchos (Valenciennes, 1840)

About Porthole shovelnose catfish fishing

The porthole shovelnose catfish is an elongated freshwater species belonging to the family Pimelodidae, native to major South American river basins including the Amazon and Paraná. It features a specialized body shape and cryptic colour pattern that provide perfect camouflage against muddy river bottoms. Growing to a typical length of around fifty centimetres, this demersal predator inhabits the deeper, slow-moving sections of large river channels. It operates as a piscivorous stalker, relying on its upward-oriented eyes and flat snout to ambush benthic organisms and small fish. While valued commercially and locally pursued by anglers, it remains a rare and elusive catch.

  • Difficulty

    Medium

  • Average size

    52.5 cm

  • Habitat

    Freshwater

  • Season

    Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Porthole shovelnose catfish

Flat snout

Extremely depressed and elongated snout shape distinguishes this shovelnose catfish.

Lateral stripe

Prominent dark horizontal stripe along the mid-body identifies this species.

Adipose fin

Well-developed fleshy adipose fin located just before the caudal peduncle.

Long barbels

Extremely long maxillary barbels streaming backward from the corners of the mouth.

Porthole shovelnose catfish fishing facts

Characteristics

  • Typical size

    52.5 cm (max 61 cm TL )

  • Typical weight

    0.5 kg (max 2.7 kg )

  • Longevity

    8.5 years

  • Body shape

    Elongated

  • Vulnerability score

    45.2

Best hours

  • Dawn

    First light

    Active

  • Morning

    After sunrise

    Low

  • Midday

    High sun

    Low

  • Afternoon

    Late day

    Low

  • Dusk

    Last light

    Peak

  • Night

    After dark

    Peak

When to fish for Porthole shovelnose catfish

01
January
02
February
03
March
04
April
05
May
06
June
07
July
08
August
09
September
10 Now
October
11
November
12
December

How to catch Porthole shovelnose catfish

Tips for catching Porthole shovelnose catfish

Target this elusive bottom-dwelling predator by presenting baits directly on or near the mud in deep, slow-flowing river channels. Since these catfish use a stealthy stalking approach to hunt fish and benthic fauna, ledgering with natural baits during low-light hours yields the best results. Focus your efforts during seasonal transition periods when water levels recede and fish concentrate in main channels. Patience is essential when waiting for a bite from this slow-growing nocturnal hunter.

Other names for Porthole shovelnose catfish

Local and alternate names anglers use for Porthole shovelnose catfish.

  • Porthole shovelnose catfish

Best equipment to catch Porthole shovelnose catfish

Compare fishing methods for Porthole shovelnose catfish — sized kit for each technique.

Note: Typical fish is 0.5 kg Our algorithm will suggest the best equipment for you based on this weight.

Best lures and baits for Porthole shovelnose catfish

Ranked lures and natural baits from every method, best first.

How Porthole shovelnose catfish migrates — Potamodromous

Migrates within rivers and lakes only. Fish upstream runs and seasonal lake movements, not saltwater.

How Porthole shovelnose catfish migrates — Potamodromous 1. Eggs: Laid on gravel or weed upstream or in flooded shallows. 2. Larvae: Fry drift or swim down to slower water. 3. Adults: Feed in the main river or lake. 4. Spawners: Move upstream or into the shallows to spawn.
Upstream Main river or lake

1 Eggs

Upstream

Laid on gravel or weed upstream or in flooded shallows.

2 Larvae

→ Main river or lake

Fry drift or swim down to slower water.

3 Adults

Main river or lake

Feed in the main river or lake.

4 Spawners

→ Upstream

Move upstream or into the shallows to spawn.

The whole cycle stays in fresh water.

Hover or tap a number to read each stage.

Diet and behavior of Porthole shovelnose catfish

  • Diet

    Top predator

  • Feeds by

    Hunts animals

  • Hunts

    Dusk · Night

Where Porthole shovelnose catfish lives

Lives on or just above the bottom. Work jigs, bait, and lures along the seabed.

Habitats
Freshwater
Depth zone
Depth not recorded
Water column
Demersal
On or near the bed

Where this species lives