Spotted Pim (Pimelodus maculatus) Care Guide
Pimelodus maculatus is a larger spotted South American long-whiskered catfish of the Parana and Sao Francisco basins, omnivorous and migratory.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Pimelodus maculatus is a larger spotted long-whiskered catfish of the family Pimelodidae. FishBase records it from the Paraná and São Francisco basins of South America, with a maximum length of 51.0 cm TL and a common length of about 36 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pimelodidae (long-whiskered catfishes)
- Genus: Pimelodus
- Scientific name: Pimelodus maculatus
Habitat
FishBase describes a benthopelagic species of subtropical fresh waters that also occurs in ponds. It is potamodromous, migrating within freshwater systems, and reaches sexual maturity at around 15.8 cm.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 22-26 °C (72-79 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-15 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-15 years
Diet
FishBase classes the species as omnivorous (trophic level approximately 2.9). In the aquarium it accepts meaty sinking foods and will take tankmates small enough to swallow.
Compatibility
A large, active catfish suited to spacious tanks with robustly sized companions such as larger cichlids; avoid small fish. Provide caves, driftwood and a soft substrate.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018). FishBase notes medium resilience and moderate fishing vulnerability.
Pimelodus maculatus Breeding Guide
Overview
Pimelodus maculatus, the spotted pim, is a long-whiskered catfish of the family Pimelodidae native to the Parana and Sao Francisco river basins of South America. FishBase records a maximum total length around 51 cm, a benthopelagic freshwater habit, and potamodromous (within-freshwater migratory) behaviour, with maturity reached at roughly 16 cm.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
FishBase classifies the species as potamodromous, meaning it undertakes spawning migrations within the river system. Reproduction is concentrated in the warmer, higher-rainfall part of the year, and spawning is associated with seasonal river conditions rather than static aquarium parameters.
Egg & Fry Care
Like other migratory pimelodids it does not give parental care; eggs and larvae rely on river flow for transport and development. There is no documented aquarium fry-rearing method for this species.