Pictus Catfish: Bottom-feeders That Pick on Smaller Fish

This pictus catfish will happily eat smaller fish or even veggies. Pavaphon Supanantananont / Shutterstock

If you're looking for an energetic, sleek freshwater fish to liven up your aquarium, the pictus catfish might be your perfect match.

Known for their graceful movements and distinctive black spots, Pimelodus pictus are a favorite among aquarists for both their beauty and active behavior.

Here’s everything you need to know about these lively catfish species.

Contents

Where Do Pictus Catfish Come From?
What Do Pictus Catfish Look Like?
Behavior and Tank Setup
Feeding and Diet
Breeding in Captivity
Compatibility and Caution
4 Final Tips for Pet Parents

Where Do Pictus Catfish Come From?

The pictus catfish is native to South America, specifically the Orinoco and Amazon River basins. In the wild, these peaceful fish inhabit fast-flowing waters rich in decaying organic matter, organic debris and shelter from plants, driftwood and rocky crevices.

What Do Pictus Catfish Look Like?

These sleek fish have a distinctive appearance from many other fish.

Color: Silvery body with scattered black spots
Size: Typically grows up to 5 inches (13 cm)
Fins: Dorsal and pectoral fins contain sharp spines (which are mildly venomous) for defense
Antennae: Extremely long barbels used for sensing their surroundings

Because of their sharp spines, avoid handling them with bare hands or fine-mesh nets, which may snag and harm both the fish and the equipment.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Pictus catfish are active swimmers and thrive in community tanks with proper planning.

Tank size: A minimum of 55 gallons (208 L), ideally larger
Tankmates: Generally harmless, but best to avoid very small fish that might be mistaken for food
Lighting: Preference for dim lighting due to their nocturnal nature
Decor: Best to include plants, wood and smooth rocks to mimic their natural environment

While pictus catfish live in groups in the wild, they can be housed singly or in small groups in captivity if the conditions and tank size are appropriate (err on the side of a slightly larger rather than slightly smaller tank).

Feeding and Diet

These catfish are omnivores and not picky eaters.

In the wild, they feed on decaying plant matter, small fish and invertebrates. In captivity, provide them with high-quality pellets, frozen foods like bloodworms and occasional veggies.

Feeding in the evening suits their nocturnal habits, and regular mealtimes help manage quality and consistency. Pro tip: Use sinking foods, as pictus catfish tend to feed from the bottom.

Breeding in Captivity

Unlike some other catfish species, breeding pictus catfish in home aquariums is extremely rare. Successful reproduction requires more research and experimentation with water conditions, tank setup and diet.

Compatibility and Caution

Pictus catfish get along well with similarly sized fish, but their active nature can stress very small fish. When choosing tank mates, consider:

Other catfish species like Corydoras (pictus catfish are too small to compete)
Larger, peaceful species

Avoid aggressive or territorial fish and those that prefer slow, calm environments.

4 Final Tips for Pet Parents

Use a lid: These active swimmers are known jumpers.
Avoid rough gravel: Their barbels are sensitive.
Maintain good filtration: They thrive in clean, oxygen-rich water.
Handle with care: Those sharp spines can injure humans and damage nets.

From their silvery body with black spots to their darting movement through your aquarium, the pictus cat is a fascinating addition to any freshwater tank. With the right care, they bring life to any aquatic setup.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.