Pictus Catfish Care Guide: Size, Diet, Life Span & Tank Mate
If you have had problems with algae growth in your aquarium tank for a long time like me then pictus catfish would be the best choice.
The pictus catfish is skyrocketing in popularity as a freshwater aquarium fish. Because it looks like a popping spotted color pattern and is adept at eating algae.
They are also peaceful, making them a good community fish. But keeping this fish is a bit challenging for beginner aquarists.
This guide will teach you everything about Pictus catfish care so that you can decide if they are the right fish for your tank.
Keep reading to learn about Pictus catfish size, lifespan, diet, natural habitat, and more. By the end of this guide, you will be an expert on Pictus catfish care!
What is A Pictus Catfish?
Pictus catfish is popularly known as Pimelodus pictus. However, this fish is better known as a barbel to American anglers.
This is a freshwater fish that hails from South America. It is commonly found in the Amazon River Basin in countries like Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, and Colombia.
The pictus catfish is a schooling fish. This means that they live in groups in the wild. They are also nocturnal fish, which means they are most active at night.
During the day, they will hide in caves or among plants. At night, they will come out to forage for food.
Pictus catfish are scavengers in the wild. This means that they will eat just about anything they can find.
They are not picky eaters and will even eat dead fish or animals. In the wild, their diet consists of insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
In captivity, their diet is not much different. They will still eat just about anything you give them. But it is best to give them a varied diet of pellets, flakes, vegetables, and live/frozen foods.
Species overview of Pictus Catfish
| Common Names: | Angel Cat Fish |
| Scientific Name: | Pimelodus pictus |
| Family Name: | Pimelodidae |
| Distribution: | South America (Venezuela to Peru) |
| Size: | 5 inches |
| Color: | Black and white |
| Care Level: | Moderate |
| Temperament: | Semi-aggressive |
| Lifespan: | 8-10 years |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 50 gallons |
| Tank Temperature: | 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit |
| pH Level: | 6.0-8.0 |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
The Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) is a species of catfish that is native to South America. It is a relatively small fish, only growing to a maximum length of 5 inches.
The body of the Pictus Catfish is black and white in coloration, with a long, barbels. They are a semi-aggressive species of fish, and should not be housed with other fish that are small enough to be eaten.
The Pictus Catfish is an omnivore and will eat a variety of foods, including pellets, flakes, live, and frozen foods.
The minimum tank size for housing a Pictus Catfish is 55 gallons. The water temperature should be kept between 75-82 degrees Fahrenheit, and the pH level should be between 6.0-8.0.
If you want to add a couple of pictus catfish to your aquarium, the cost per fish will be minimal $5 USD. Prices may be higher in areas where the fish are less common.
Overall, the Pictus Catfish is a popular species of aquarium fish that is relatively easy to care for. They are active fish that will add some personality to your tank!
All about Pictus Catfish
You might think you know everything about this fish. I say your idea is wrong because you don’t know details about pictus catfish yet.
You don’t have to go anywhere else to know such general information, I will discuss it in detail. Let’s know step by step.
Appearance
The Pictus Catfish is a peaceful fish that can be kept in a community aquarium. This fish is found in the rivers of South America.
The pictus catfish is one of the most beautiful freshwater fish. It has an elegant long body and barbels that give it a wonderful look.
The barbels around its mouth help the pictus catfish to find food. This fish is also called thepimelodus pictus, and it is a member of the Family Pimelodidae.
The body of the pictus catfish is long and slender with a brownish color. The fins of this fish are black and white in color, and the tail is forked.
The head of the fish is slightly long and the mouth is shaped like a U. The lower lip is shorter than the upper lip.
The fish has eyes on the top of the head and gills on both sides of the eyes. Also, 2 entrinas can be observed on the upper and lower lips of the mouth.
A total number of fins on the body of pictus catfish is 7, and all of them are rays. The first dorsal fin has 10-11 rays, the second one is shorter with only 5-6 rays.
The anal fin has 9-10 rays and the pectoral fins have 13-15 rays each. The pelvic fins of this fish are long and located near the anus.
From the head to the tail of the fish there are spots like shiny white and sometimes black tip. The spots are more prominent in young fish and fade with age.
The male and female pictus catfish are different in appearance. The male fish is larger than the female and has more pointed ventral fins.
Color Varieties
There are many color varieties of pictus catfish available in the market. The most common colors are albino, melanistic, and leucistic.
Albino: Albino pictus catfish is the most common type of this fish. This fish has a white or pale pink body with red eyes.
Melanistic: The melanistic pictus catfish is also called the black widow pictus catfish. This fish has a black body with red eyes.
Leucistic: The leucistic pictus catfish is also called the ghost pictus catfish. This fish has a white body with black eyes.
Size
According to data from the South American Fish Research Institute, the average size of a pictus catfish is 18 cm (7.1 inches). But some reports say that this fish can grow up to 30 cm (11.8 inches).
The males are usually larger than females and can reach a size of 20 cm (7.9 inches). The females are smaller and only grow up to 16 cm (6.3 inches).
In the wild, the size of the pictus catfish can reach up to 40 cm (15.7 inches). But in captivity, this fish only grows up to 30 cm (11.8 inches).
But the aquarium tank should be at least 50 cm (19.7 inches) in length to keep this fish comfortable.
Life expectancy
However, according to the data from the Japanese Fish Research Institute, the life expectancy of the pictus catfish is only 5 to 6 years.
But some reports say that this fish can live up to 10 years with proper care. So, it all depends on how you take care of your fish.
If you want your fish to live a long and healthy life, then you need to provide them with a good quality of water and food. You also need to clean the tank regularly to keep the water quality good.
Is Pictus Catfish aggressive?
The answer is no; the Pictus Catfish is not an aggressive fish. This fish is peaceful and can be kept in a community aquarium.
The pictus catfish is a bottom-dwelling fish and prefers to stay near the bottom of the tank. This fish is not aggressive and will not bother other fish in the tank.
But sometimes this fish can be a little nippy. This fish may nibble on the fins of other fish in the tank.
So, it is better to keep this fish with other peaceful fish that are larger in size. This will help to reduce the risk of fin nipping.
Pros and Cons of Pictus Catfish Farming
Now you know some pros and cons of pictus catfish farming. You can decide for yourself whether you want to farm them or not.
If you have the space and resources, then go ahead and give it a try. Who knows, you might just be successful at it!
Type of Pictus Catfish
Pictus catfish is found in neighboring countries including South America (Venezuela to Peru) but it is not found in other parts of the world.
But don’t worry here too I will discuss some other alternative types of pictus catfish that can be kept in aquariums.
Oto Catfish
| Original Residence: | South America |
| Size: | 1-2 inches (3-5 cm) |
| Life Expectancy: | 2-4 years |
| Water Temperature: | 72-86°F (22-30°C) |
| pH: | 6.0-8.0 |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 10 gallons |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
Otoes are another small, peaceful bottom-dwelling fish that make a great addition to almost any freshwater aquarium.
They are relatively easy to care for and can be kept in nano tanks as small as 5 gallons. Otos are very active little fish that love to play in the current created by filter outflow.
Because of their small size, otos are often preyed upon by larger fish. So it is important to choose tank mates carefully.
The best tank mates for otos are other small, peaceful fish that are too large to be considered food. Good choices include tetras, danios, rasboras, and gouramis.
Otos are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods including algae, zucchini, cucumber, and blanched spinach. They should be given a veggie supplement 2-3 times per week.
Pleco Catfish
| Original Residence: | South America |
| Size: | 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) |
| Life Expectancy: | 10-20 years |
| Water Temperature: | 72-86°F (22-30°C) |
| pH: | 6.0-8.0 |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 50 gallons |
| Care Level: | Easy to Moderate |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
Plecos are one of the most popular types of catfish for freshwater aquariums. And it’s no wonder why. These fish are relatively easy to care for, and they make a great addition to almost any community tank.
Plecos are peaceful fish that will spend most of their time hiding in caves or behind plants. They are nocturnal, so they are most active at night.
Plecos are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods including algae, zucchini, cucumber, and blanched spinach. They should be given a veggie supplement 2-3 times per week.
Striped Raphael Catfish
| Original Residence: | South America |
| Maximum Size: | 4” |
| Life Expectancy: | 5-8 years |
| Care: | Easy |
| Activity: | Nocturnal |
| Diet: | Omnivore – Accepts a wide variety of foods. |
The Striped Raphael Catfish is a small, peaceful Bottom Dweller that is found in slow-moving waters throughout South America.
These nocturnal feeders are brown with three vertical yellow or white stripes running down their bodies.
They have a long, flat head with large eyes situated on the top. Their mouth is small and downturned, which helps them to easily scavenge the bottom for food.
The Striped Raphael Catfish is a timid fish that should be kept with other peaceful Bottom Dwellers. They are not aggressive and will not bother other fish in the aquarium.
These fish are very easy to care for and make a great addition to any community aquarium. They are Omnivores and will accept a wide variety of foods, including freeze-dried, live, and flake foods.
The Striped Raphael Catfish is a great addition to any peaceful community aquarium. They are easy to care for and will accept a wide variety of foods. These nocturnal Bottom Dwellers make a great addition to any aquarium!
Cory Catfish
| Original Residence: | South America |
| Size: | 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) |
| Life Expectancy: | 5-10 years |
| Water Temperature: | 72-86°F (22-30°C) |
| pH: | 6.0-8.0 |
| Minimum Tank Size: | 20 gallons |
| Care Level: | Easy |
| Diet: | Omnivore |
Cory catfish are one of the most popular types of freshwater aquarium fish. And it’s no wonder why. These fish are relatively easy to care for, and they make a great addition to almost any community tank.
Corys are peaceful fish that will spend most of their time hiding in caves or behind plants. They are nocturnal, so they are most active at night.
Corys are omnivorous and will eat a variety of foods including algae, zucchini, cucumber, and blanched spinach. They should be given a veggie supplement 2-3 times per week.
3 Personality of the Pictus Catfish
Now you know a little more about the Pictus Catfish, let’s talk about their personality.
The Pictus Catfish is a small, peaceful fish that is found in slow moving waters throughout South America. They are nocturnal, so they are most active at night.
Algae Eater
The Pictus Catfish is a great addition to any aquarium because they are an algae eater. They will help to keep your tank clean and free of algae.
Good Companion
The pictus catfish is a popular freshwater aquarium fish that originates from South America. It gets its name from its vivid markings and coloring, which can include spots, stripes, or even swirls.
The pictus catfish is a hardy fish that can adapt to a wide range of water conditions, making it a good choice for beginner aquarium hobbyists. It is also a peaceful fish that gets along well with other tank mates, making it a good choice for community tanks.
The pictus catfish is an active swimmer and prefers to live in groups, so it is best kept in an aquarium of at least 30 gallons.
Peaceful
The Pictus Catfish is a peaceful fish that is found in slow moving waters throughout South America. They are nocturnal, so they are most active at night.
They have a long, flat head with large eyes situated on the top. Their mouth is small and downturned, which helps them to easily scavenge the bottom for food.
The Pictus Catfish is a timid fish that should be kept with other peaceful Bottom Dwellers. They are not aggressive and will not bother other fish in the aquarium.
Care guide for Pictus Catfish
If you’re looking for a care guide for Pictus Catfish Fish, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know in order to care for these beautiful fish.
Pictus Catfish is a freshwater fish that originate from South America. They are schooling fish, so it’s best to keep them in groups of at least five.
Pictus Catfish like moderate temperatures and a pH of 6.5-7.5. They should be fed a diet of mostly meaty foods, such as brine shrimp and bloodworms.
In order to keep your Pictus Catfish healthy and happy, it is important to provide them with a clean tank and proper water conditions.
Make sure to change 25-50% of the water weekly, and monitor the pH and temperature levels regularly. If you notice any changes in your fish’s behavior or appearance, be sure to consult a veterinarian.
Recreate Natural Habitat and Tank Conditions
The following information is provided to help you understand the natural habitat of your Pictus Catfish fish, as well as the optimal conditions that should be provided in the home aquarium.
The Pictus Catfish is a freshwater fish that is found in South America. In the wild, they inhabit slow-moving waters such as rivers, streams, and lakes.
They are typically found near the bottom of these bodies of water where they feed on smaller fish, crustaceans, and insects.
The Pictus Catfish is a shy fish that prefers to be in dimly lit areas with plenty of hiding spots.
Optimal Tank Conditions
| Minimum Tank Size | 50 Gallons |
| Tank Type | Planted Freshwater |
| Temperature | 72-80°F |
| pH | 6.5-7.5 |
| Hardness | 4-15 dGH |
| Flow | Medium to Heavy |
| Substrate | Soft sand and pebbles |
In order to recreate the optimal conditions for your Pictus Catfish, it is important to provide them with a tank that has slow-moving water and plenty of hiding spots.
The temperature of the water should be between 74-79 degrees Fahrenheit and the pH should be between 6.5-7.5.
It is also important to provide them with a diet that includes smaller fish, crustaceans, and insects.
You can add some live plants to their tank for decoration, but be sure to choose plants that are not toxic to fish. some plants such as:
- Anubias
- Java Fern
- Hornwort
- Water Sprite
Water filters can be used to keep aquarium tank water pure and clean for the Pictus Catfish, but an air stone is not necessary.
By providing the Pictus Catfish with the proper habitat and diet, you will ensure that they remain healthy and thrive in your home aquarium.
Tank Mates
In general, pictus catfish are peaceful fish that do well with a variety of other tank mates.
They can live with other peaceful community fish, as long as the other fish are not small enough to fit into the Pictus Catfish’s mouth.
Some good tank mates for Pictus Catfish include:
- Gouramis
- Danios
- Barbs
- Loaches
- Plecos
- Catfish (of course!)
Just be sure to do your research before adding any fish to your tank, as some fish are more aggressive than others and may not do well with the Pictus Catfish’s peaceful nature.
Feeding Your Pictus Catfish
| Protein | 0.06 grams |
| Fat | 0.002 grams |
| Carbohydrate | 0.0005 grams |
| Calculation Acid | 0.002 grams |
As mentioned earlier, Pictus Catfish are shy fish that prefer to be in dimly lit areas with plenty of hiding spots.
This means that they may not always come to the top of the tank to eat, so it is important to target feed them.
To do this, simply drop the food into their hiding spots or near the bottom of the tank so they can easily find it. Some good food options for Pictus Catfish include:
Live Food:
- Brine shrimp
- Bloodworms
- Daphnia
- Tubifex worms
Prepared Foods:
- Crustacean pellets
- Sinking carnivore pellets
- Algae wafers
It is also a good idea to feed them small meals several times a day, rather than one large meal.
This will help prevent them from getting sick and ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need.
How Often Should I Feed My Pictus Catfish?
Ideally, you should feed your Pictus Catfish 2-3 times a day. This will help ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need and prevent them from getting sick.
If you are not able to feed them this often, you can feed them once a day, but be sure to give them a smaller amount of food.
Overfeeding can lead to health problems, so it is important to only give them as much food as they can eat in a few minutes.
If you are unsure of how much to feed them, it is always better to err on the side of caution and give them less food rather than more.
By following these guidelines, you will help your Pictus Catfish stay healthy and thrive in your home aquarium.
My Recommendation on food brand
I recommend using Hikari or Tetra brand foods for your Pictus Catfish. I have had success with both of these brands and find that they provide a good variety of foods that my fish enjoy.
Hikari also has a sinking carnivore pellet that is specifically designed for bottom-dwelling fish like the Pictus Catfish, which is a nice option to have.
Whatever brand you choose, be sure to read the ingredient list and make sure that the food you select is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.
Common Disease with Pictus Catfish
One of the most common diseases that affect Pictus Catfish is Ich.
Ich is a parasitic infection that can cause white spots to form on the fish’s body. If left untreated, Ich can be fatal.
The good news is that Ich is fairly easy to treat and there are a variety of products available to help you get rid of it.
If you think your Pictus Catfish has Ich, be sure to quarantine them in a hospital tank and treat them as soon as possible. Other common diseases that can affect Pictus Catfish include:
Fin rot: This is a bacterial infection that can cause the fins to become frayed and disintegrate.
It is often caused by poor water quality, so be sure to keep an eye on your filtration system and do regular water changes to prevent it.
If your fish does develop fin rot, you can treat it with a variety of antibiotics.
Dropsy: This is a condition that causes the fish’s body to swell up due to fluid build-up.
It is often caused by kidney disease or an infection, and it can be fatal if left untreated. If you think your fish has dropsy, take them to the vet as soon as possible for treatment.
Velvet disease: This is a parasitic infection that can cause the fish’s body to become covered in a gold or brown dust.
If left untreated, velvet disease can be fatal. The good news is that it is fairly easy to treat with a variety of anti-parasitic medications.
By being aware of these common diseases, you can help keep your Pictus Catfish healthy and avoid potential problems.
As with any other fish, it is important to keep a close eye on your Pictus Catfish and look for any signs of illness.
If you notice anything unusual, be sure to quarantine the fish and consult a veterinarian or experienced aquarist for advice on how to treat the problem.
By taking good care of your fish and paying attention to their health, you can help them avoid these common diseases and enjoy a long and healthy life.
How to Add Pictus Catfish to Your Aquarium Tank?
Adding a Pictus Catfish to your aquarium tank is a great way to add some variety to your fish collection.
These bottom-dwelling fish are known for their active personality and their ability to get along with other fish.
While they are not the most colorful fish, they make up for it in personality and they are sure to become a beloved member of your aquarium community.
When adding a Pictus Catfish to your tank, it is important to consider the following:
The size of your tank: Pictus Catfish can grow up to 18 inches in length, so you will need a tank that is at least 50 gallons in size.
The other fish in your tank: Pictus Catfish are generally peaceful fish, but they can be aggressive towards smaller fish. It is best to add them to a tank with fish that are similar in size.
The water conditions in your tank: Pictus Catfish prefer a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 and a water temperature of 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit.
They also prefer soft water, so be sure to use a water conditioner if your tap water is hard.
The diet of your Pictus Catfish: These fish are carnivores and their diet should consist mainly of meaty foods. You can feed them live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods.
A variety of pellets and flakes are also available specifically for Pictus Catfish. By considering these factors, you can help ensure that your Pictus Catfish will be happy and healthy in their new home.
Once you have chosen the perfect tank for your fish, it is time to add them to your aquarium. When adding Pictus Catfish to your tank, it is best to do so gradually.
Start by acclimating them to the temperature of the water in your tank and then slowly introduce them to the other fish. Once they have been introduced, you can then start feeding them.
It is important to remember that Pictus Catfish are bottom-dwellers, so be sure to provide them with plenty of hiding places and caves.
By following these tips, you can help your Pictus Catfish adjust to their new home and make the transition as smooth as possible.
Pro Tips for Keeping Pictus Catfish in an Aquarium
Now you know everything you need to know about Pictus Catfish, it’s time to learn how to keep them in your aquarium.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your fish are happy and healthy.
Choose the right size aquarium: Pictus Catfish grow to be around 18 inches (46 cm) long, so you’ll need an aquarium that can accommodate them.
A 50-gallon (208 liters) tank is a good choice for a single fish, and you’ll need a larger tank if you’re keeping multiple fish.
Create a sandy substrate: Pictus Catfish like to dig in the sand, so it’s important to create a substrate that they can enjoy. You can use live or artificial plants to add some interest to the tank.
Provide plenty of hiding places: Since Pictus Catfish are shy fish, it’s important to provide them with plenty of places to hide. This can be done with rocks, driftwood, or even cave-like structures that you can buy at your local pet store.
Keep the water clean: It’s important to keep the water in your aquarium clean for the health of your fish. Be sure to do a weekly water change and vacuum the gravel to remove any debris.
Feed them a variety of foods: Pictus Catfish are omnivores, so they need a diet that includes both plant and animal matter. You can give them live, frozen, or freeze-dried foods.
Be sure to provide them with a variety of foods to ensure that they’re getting all the nutrients they need.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your Pictus Catfish are happy and healthy. By providing them with the right environment and diet, you can enjoy watching them thrive in your aquarium.
Which Reasons You Should Keep Pictus Catfish in Your Aquarium?
There are several reasons why you should keep Pictus Catfish in your aquarium. They are peaceful fish that can add beauty and interest to your tank.
They are also easy to care for, as long as you provide them with the right environment and diet. If you’re looking for a fish that is low-maintenance and easy to care for, then Pictus Catfish are a good choice.
Here are some of the reasons why you should keep Pictus Catfish in your aquarium:
- They are peaceful fish that get along well with other fish.
- They are easy to care for and don’t require much maintenance.
- They are interesting fish that add beauty to your aquarium.
- They are a good choice for beginner aquarists.
- They are low-maintenance fish that don’t require much attention.
If you’re looking for a fish that is easy to care for and doesn’t require much maintenance, then Pictus Catfish is a good choice. They are also interesting fish that can add beauty and interest to your aquarium.
History and First Sighting
In 1876, Austrian zoologist Franz Steindachner first described the Pictus Catfish in a scientific journal. The fish was collected from the Rio Negro in Brazil.
The Pictus Catfish gets its name from the Latin word “pictus” which means “painted”. This refers to the unique markings on the fish’s body.
However, in America, it started to be kept as an aquarium fish in the early 19th century. It was introduced to Europe in the middle of that century.
The first Pictus Catfish was brought to France in 1855. This fish became popular in Germany and other European countries in the late 19th century. It was also introduced to England and America during this time.
Today, the Pictus Catfish is one of the most popular fish in the aquarium trade. They are easy to care for and make a beautiful addition to any aquarium.
The Summary
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance fish that is easy to care for, then Pictus Catfish is a good choice. They are peaceful fish that get along well with other fish and don’t require much attention.
By providing them with the right environment and diet, you can help ensure that your Pictus Catfish are happy and healthy.
Today this article ends here and I hope that you enjoyed reading it. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thank you for your time!