Ornate Pim (Pimelodus ornatus) Care Guide
Pimelodus ornatus is a boldly patterned South American long-whiskered catfish from major river channels, a twilight-active piscivore.
Overview
Pimelodus ornatus is a boldly patterned long-whiskered catfish of the family Pimelodidae. FishBase records it from the Amazon, Corantijn, Essequibo, Orinoco and Paraná basins and major rivers of the Guianas, with a maximum size of 38.5 cm SL. It was described by Kner in 1858.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pimelodidae (long-whiskered catfishes)
- Genus: Pimelodus
- Scientific name: Pimelodus ornatus
Habitat
FishBase reports it in principal river channels, upstream sections, areas below rapids, backwaters and stony pool bottoms with fallen trees. The English Wikipedia lists a wide range across Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 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 piscivorous (trophic level 3.3). It is active during twilight and will take meaty sinking foods in the aquarium; tankmates small enough to swallow are at risk.
Compatibility
Predatory toward small fish but otherwise community-suited with robustly sized tankmates such as larger tetras and cichlids. Provide a spacious tank with caves, driftwood and a soft substrate.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020).