Pictus Catfish - Pimelodus pictus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) is a lively and captivating addition to community aquariums that house medium to large-sized, robust, and peaceful fish species like Rainbowfish, Characins, and Cyprinids. However, their wide mouths make them unsuitable for aquariums containing small fish, such as neon Tetras, as they may prey on them during the night. Additionally, their active nature can disrupt slower-moving tankmates, such as certain Cichlids.
To fulfil their sociable nature, it is recommended to keep Pictus Catfish in groups of six or more. This provides them with a sense of security and promotes their natural behaviour. The aquarium substrate should be soft and sandy to protect their long sensory barbels. Providing a variety of hiding spots with the use of bogwood, rocks, and sturdy plants is crucial to create both shady areas and open swimming spaces. These decorations also add visual interest to the aquarium.
A well-oxygenated environment with a reasonable flow rate is essential for Pictus Catfish. Proper filtration ensures water quality, and regular partial water changes are necessary to maintain their health. These catfish thrive in aquariums with subdued lighting, mimicking their natural habitat. It is important to provide them with enough space to swim and explore, as confinement in a small aquarium can hinder their growth and overall well-being.
The Pictus Catfish displays a striking appearance with its silver-coloured body adorned with black spots and stripes. It is worth noting that there are two forms of Pictus Catfish, one with large spots and another with small spots. However, the large-spotted form is more commonly encountered in the aquarium trade, and it generally grows to a smaller size compared to the small-spotted form. Observing these unique patterns adds visual interest and intrigue to the aquarium.
Pictus Catfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
While not definitively verified, an observable distinction between male and female Pictus Catfish suggests that females exhibit a more robust body shape in comparison to males.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Pimelodus pictus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1876 |
| Other Names | Pictus Cat |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Siluriformes |
| Family | Pimelodidae |
| Genus | Pimelodus |
| Origins | Peru , Colombia , Brazil , Venezuela |
| Max Size | 12 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 5 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 15 |
| ℉ | 72 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
The Pictus Catfish is native to the Rio Orinoco Basin and Amazon Basin, encompassing regions in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, and Brazil. In their natural habitat, these catfish exhibit a preference for shallow, flowing waters characterized by sandy or muddy substrates. They can be found inhabiting major river channels as well as tributaries within these regions.
Breeding
Regrettably, the breeding behaviour of the Pictus Catfish remains elusive within the realm of aquarium breeding, and thus, comprehensive information regarding their reproductive habits is currently lacking.
Diet & Feeding
In the home aquarium, the Pictus Catfish readily accepts a variety of high-quality dried foods, such as granules, flakes, and sinking pellets. These commercially developed food products are formulated to provide the necessary nutrition to sustain the fish's overall health and meet its dietary requirements.
While these dried foods alone can suffice as a staple diet, offering supplementary live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals like bloodworms, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week can provide additional benefits to the fish's well-being. However, it is important to note that bloodworms should be given sparingly as occasional treats and not be relied upon as the primary diet due to their potential difficulty in digestion and the risk of blockages.
In the wild, the Pictus Catfish is an omnivorous species that consumes some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods incorporate plant-based ingredients, supplementing the diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini can further enhance nutritional diversity.
Care should be taken not to overfeed the fish, as overfeeding can lead to health issues and compromised water quality. Any uneaten food should be promptly removed the following day to maintain optimal water conditions.
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