Pictus Catfish Aquarium Fish, Pimelodus Pictus

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Brief Overview of the Pictus Catfish

The Pictus catfish, or Pimelodus, is a larger bottom feeder than the more "traditional" Cory Catfishes. They are more similar in size to the Upside-Down Catfish. They are large, hearty eaters and very active for a catfish. You will find your pictus catfish is almost constantly moving around your tank. The size of the Pictus Catfish along with its high rate of activity causes it to require a lot of space to swim around in. An absolute minimum of 30 gallons is necessary for a happy Pictus Cat. A few good tank mates for the pictus catfish are the Congo Tetra, large Angelfish, or some Tiger Barbs.

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Detailed Information about the Pimelodus Pictus Catfish

Pictus Catfish will generally Grow to an adult size of between 4 and 6 inches. It has a wide variety coloration, but generally wil lbe silver bodied with peppery black spots throughout. One of the most prominent features of the Pictus Catfish, Pimelodus, is its long whiskers which can get nearly as long as the fish itself.

Some Wikipedia Information About the Pimelodus Pictus

Pimelodus is a genus of catfishes (order Siluriformes) of the family Pimelodidae.


Pimelodus is a non-monophyletic assemblage with about 24 species; it is defined by a set of non-derived characters. Species level taxonomy of Pimelodus is still poorly known as well as the phylogenetic relationships within and of the genus. The high number of species currently included in Pimelodus, allied to the wide variability in morphology and color pattern of those taxa, pose difficulties for a complete systematic revision of the genus.

Relationship to Humans

Pimelodus Pictus Catfish are popular subjects of public and large hobby aquaria. They are available at retail stores around the nation and are excellent for the establishment of a new tank. Though it is definitely best to buy multiple Pictus Catfish, they will do ok on their own. Generally they will live for 4 to 5 years if well cared for and given enough room; sometimes even much longer.

In the aquarium

Adding a Pimelodus Pictus to your tank is not a decision that should be taken lightly. They are so large and so active compared to your Tetra or your other bottom feeders, like Corydora's, that you may want to think twice. If you have the room, and some good places for them to hide, however, the Pimelodus Pictus Catfish will prove an awesome addition to your tank. Large omniverous algae discs, along with some blood worm or shrimp treats once in a while will ensure a healthy diet for your Pictus. You will find that they will partake of any flake food that gets past your mid-level feeders. Standard Tropical Teperatures of 75 to 80 degrees ferenheight apply. It should be noted that the Pictus Catfish Has Poisonous Spines on its dorsal fin that can sting quite a bit.

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