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.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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).
Pimelodus ornatus Breeding Guide
Overview
Pimelodus ornatus, the ornate pim, is a boldly patterned long-whiskered catfish of the family Pimelodidae, widespread across much of northern South America including Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. Seriously Fish reports a maximum standard length around 28 cm, occupying shallow flowing waters and seasonally flooded várzea lakes.
Sexing
Sexing is recorded as unknown, although adult females are likely to be stockier in build than males.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning is linked to seasonal upstream migration during the rainy period. Because the environmental cues driving migration and spawning cannot be recreated in an aquarium, no tested breeding routine exists for this species.