Pictus Catfish

Scientific Name

Pimelodus pictus

Common Names

• Pictus Catfish
• Spotted Pimelodella

Physical Appearance

• Size: Grows up to 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) in home aquariums but can reach up to 6 inches in the wild.
• Coloration:
  • Silvery-white body with bold black spots scattered across the body and fins.
  • Long, graceful barbels (whiskers) extending from the mouth, used for navigation and locating food.
• Body Shape: Sleek, elongated body with a forked tail and prominent dorsal fin.

Lifespan

• Typically 8–10 years with proper care.

Temperament and Behavior

• Nature: Peaceful but active; slightly predatory towards small tank mates.
• Group Dynamics:
  • Can be kept alone but thrives in small groups of 3–5 individuals.
  • Schooling behavior is more prominent when kept in groups.
• Activity Level:
  • Highly active, especially during the evening and nighttime.
  • Requires ample swimming space and is known for darting around the tank.

Tank Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for a single specimen; larger tanks recommended for groups.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 75–81°F (24–27°C)
  • pH: 6.5–7.5
  • Hardness: 4–15 dGH
• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel to protect their sensitive barbels.
• Plants and Decorations:
  • Provide plenty of open swimming areas.
  • Include hiding spots such as driftwood, caves, or rock structures.
• Filtration: Strong filtration with moderate to high water flow to mimic their natural river habitats.

Diet

• Type: Omnivorous but with carnivorous tendencies.
• Food:
  • Sinking pellets or wafers as a staple diet.
  • Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and blackworms.
  • Occasional treats like chopped prawns or small pieces of fish.
  • Avoid overfeeding, as they are opportunistic feeders.

Compatibility

• Good Tank Mates:
  • Medium-sized, peaceful species like rainbowfish, barbs, larger tetras, and other similarly sized catfish.
  • Non-aggressive cichlids or loaches.
• Avoid:
  • Small fish like neon tetras or shrimp, as they may be seen as food.
  • Aggressive or territorial species like larger cichlids.

Care Level

• Difficulty: Moderate. Requires stable water parameters and a spacious tank.
• Maintenance:
  • Weekly water changes of 20–30%.
  • Maintain excellent water quality, as they are sensitive to poor conditions.

Breeding

• Reproduction in Captivity: Rare and extremely difficult in home aquariums.
• Natural Reproduction: In the wild, Pictus Catfish breed in flowing river systems.
• Challenges in Captivity:
  • Requires very specific water flow, conditions, and temperature changes to simulate their natural environment.
  • Most specimens are wild-caught.

Interesting Facts

1. Origins: Native to South America, specifically found in fast-flowing rivers like the Amazon and Orinoco basins.
2. Barbels: Their long barbels are highly sensitive, helping them detect food and navigate their environment.
3. Nocturnal Nature: Though they are most active at night, they often adapt to daytime activity in aquariums.
4. Scavenger Role: While they are great at cleaning uneaten food, they still need a proper diet and should not rely solely on scavenging.