Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) Care Guide
A beautiful, active catfish with a sleek silver body covered in black spots and long, sweeping barbels. An active swimmer, especially at night and during feeding.
Overview
Pimelodus pictus is a species in the family Pimelodidae. A beautiful, active catfish with a sleek silver body covered in black spots and long, sweeping barbels. An active swimmer, especially at night and during feeding. Has venomous pectoral fin spines and will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pimelodidae
- Genus: Pimelodus
- Scientific name: Pimelodus pictus
- Other names: Pimelodus pictus
- Origin: South America, Amazon Basin, Colombia
Habitat
Pimelodus pictus is a silver, black-spotted catfish from the Amazon and Orinoco basins of South America, including Colombia. An active, fast-swimming predator of open water and stream beds, it hunts small invertebrates and fish and uses long barbels to locate food.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C
- pH: 6-7.5
- GH: 3-15 °dGH
- Water flow: moderate
- Adult size: 10-12 cm
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Recommended group size: ≥ 3
- Difficulty: intermediate
Diet
Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 1x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.
Compatibility
- Temperament: peaceful
- Position in tank: bottom
- Compatible tank mates: Angelfish, Corydoras, Bristlenose Pleco, Large Tetras
- Avoid with: Neon Tetra, Small Fish, Shrimp
Breeding
- Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
- Breeding difficulty: advanced