Pictus Catfish
Pimelodus pictus
Minimum Tank
55 Gallons
Adult Size
5 inches
Temperature
75-81°F (24-27°C)
pH Range
6.5-7.5
Lifespan
8 years
School Size
3+ fish
About Pictus Catfish
The pictus catfish is a sleek, silver-bodied catfish covered in striking black spots, native to the warm, flowing rivers of the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. Its long, sweeping barbels can extend past the tail fin, giving it an elegant, whisker-like appearance. Pictus catfish are active, primarily nocturnal hunters that use their sensitive barbels to navigate and locate food in dark conditions. Unlike many catfish species, pictus cats are impressive swimmers that patrol the mid and lower water levels with considerable speed. Their sharp pectoral fin spines can become tangled in fine-mesh nets, so always use a solid container when moving them.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 55-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 75-81°F (24-27°C)
- • pH: 6.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Catfish
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Pictus catfish need a tank of at least 40 gallons with moderate to strong flow and plenty of swimming room. They are social and should be kept in groups of at least three, though they may eat very small fish and shrimp. Provide caves and driftwood for daytime hiding, and expect increased activity after the lights go out. Their long barbels are sensitive and can be damaged by sharp substrate, so use sand or smooth gravel. Feed sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and occasional live foods in the evening. Pictus catfish have sharp pectoral spines, so use a container rather than a net to avoid entanglement and injury.
Quick Facts
208L
Min Tank (55gal)
13cm
Adult Size (5")
8yr
Lifespan
3+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Pictus Catfish
Related Species You Might Like
Otocinclus
Otocinclus sp.
Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus vitreolus
Pygmy Corydoras
Corydoras pygmaeus
Common Pleco
Hypostomus plecostomus
Rubber Lip Pleco
Chaetostoma sp.
Royal Pleco
Panaque nigrolineatus
Tank Mates for Pictus Catfish
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Yoyo Loach
Botia almorhae
moderate · 40+ gal
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
moderate · 10+ gal
Kuhli Loach
Pangio kuhlii
moderate · 15+ gal
Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
moderate · 30+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Pictus Catfish need?
A Pictus Catfish needs a minimum tank size of 55 gallons (208 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 3.
What water parameters does a Pictus Catfish need?
Pictus Catfish thrive in water between 75-81°F (24-27°C) with a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Are Pictus Catfish easy to care for?
Pictus Catfish are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 8 years.
How big do Pictus Catfish get and what do they eat?
Pictus Catfish reach about 5 inches and are omnivores. Pictus catfish need a tank of at least 40 gallons with moderate to strong flow and plenty of swimming room. They are social and should be kept in groups of at least three, though they may eat very small fish and shrimp. Provide caves and driftwood for daytime hiding, and expect increased activity after the lights go out. Their long barbels are sensitive and can be damaged by sharp substrate, so use sand or smooth gravel. Feed sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, and occasional live foods in the evening. Pictus catfish have sharp pectoral spines, so use a container rather than a net to avoid entanglement and injury.