fish · Pimelodidae
Pictus catfish
Pimelodus pictus
Wild range: Amazon and Orinoco basins (South America)
At a glance: Pictus catfish care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Pictus catfish?
The compiled profile lists 22.0–25.0 °C for Pictus catfish (Pimelodus pictus). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Pictus catfish?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 64.0 US gallons (243.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Pictus catfish?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 6.0–6.8. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Aquarium care
Active, whiskered pimelodid needing a long tank (Seriously Fish minimum base ~120×45 cm / ~243 L / ~64 US gal; ACO emphasizes a 4-foot footprint). Prefer dim light, sandy substrate, strong filtration, and weekly water changes—poor water quickly damages barbels. Feed meaty sinking foods sparingly; adults easily overeat. Keep a group of six or more for natural shoaling behavior. Do not house with fish small enough to swallow.
Feeding
Preys on aquatic invertebrates in nature; accepts bloodworm, Tubifex, small earthworms, and sinking dried foods. Feed every few days when adult; avoid habitual gorging.
Compatibility
SF rates temperament predatory: peaceful toward fish it cannot eat, but commonly mis-sold for nano communities. Best with robust, active similarly sized tankmates (larger characins, rainbows, doradids, loricariids). Long barbels and night activity can bother slow cichlids.
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.