An extremely active, striking silver catfish with black spots and incredibly long barbels, native to South America. While peaceful toward similarly sized tank mates, they are highly effective nocturnal predators that will easily swallow small fish (like Neon Tetras) whole. They are scaleless and possess sharp pectoral spines that can easily become entangled in aquarium nets.
Pictus Catfish At a Glance
Pictus Catfish Tank Requirements
Will Pictus Catfish fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Pictus Catfish needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Pictus Catfish against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Pictus Catfish Water Parameters
Water care products
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Pictus Catfish Temperament & Compatibility
Pictus Catfish Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard commercial availability. Highly recommended to keep in groups of 3 or more to reduce skittishness and encourage natural daytime shoaling behavior. Must be kept with tank mates too large to fit in their mouths.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Spotted Pictus
Pictus Catfish Care Guide Summary
The Pictus Catfish, scientifically known as Pimelodus pictus, belongs to the Catfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 12 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Pictus Catfish requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 22°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6–7.5 and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Pictus Catfish is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Pictus Catfish is typically available in one standard form.
Pictus Catfish Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Pictus Catfish, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels.
Pictus Catfish Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Pictus Catfish is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Pictus Catfish Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Pictus Catfish.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Pictus Catfish Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Pictus Catfish is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups, and is primarily active at dusk and dawn, so offering food shortly after lights-off ensures it receives adequate nutrition.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pictus Catfish
How big does Pictus Catfish get?
Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 12 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Pictus Catfish need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 200 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Pictus Catfish. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Pictus Catfish need?
Pictus Catfish thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 22–26°C, a pH between 6 and 7.5, and a general hardness of 3–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Pictus Catfish peaceful or aggressive?
Pictus Catfish is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Pictus Catfish live alone?
Yes, Pictus Catfish can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Pictus Catfish safe with shrimp?
No. Pictus Catfish is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Pictus Catfish have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Pictus Catfish benefits from sand (sifters) and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Pictus Catfish
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Pictus Catfish based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Celebes Halfbeak
Nomorhamphus liemi
Ideal Tank MatesWrestling Halfbeak
Dermogenys pusilla
Ideal Tank MatesOgilby's Rainbowfish
Melanotaenia ogilbyi
Ideal Tank MatesNorthern Mountain Swordtail
Xiphophorus nezahualcoyotl
Ideal Tank MatesPanda Tetra
Aphyocharax paraguayensis
Ideal Tank MatesGold Spot Pleco (L001 / L022)
Pterygoplichthys joselimaianus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Pictus Catfish
These plants pair well with Pictus Catfish based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Ashy Pipewort
Eriocaulon cinereum
Fish Similar to Pictus Catfish
Shortbarbel Pangasius
Pangasius micronemus
A massive, highly active riverine catfish native to Southeast Asia. Like its cousin the Iridescent Shark, it is a nervous and skittish swimmer prone to panicking and injuring itself on tank glass. Due to its enormous adult size of up to 1 meter (39 inches), it is strictly suited for only the largest custom aquariums, indoor ponds, or public aquaria. It is an opportunistic predator that will consume any tank mate small enough to fit in its large mouth.
Achara Catfish
Leiarius marmoratus
A massive, striking Pimelodid catfish from South America. Known for its beautiful marbled pattern and remarkably long barbels. As a strictly predatory 'monster fish', it requires a gargantuan aquarium and massive filtration. While generally peaceful towards fish too large to swallow, it will eat anything that fits into its capacious mouth. Bare-bottom or soft sand is required to prevent fatal ingestion of gravel.
Spot Pangasius
Pangasius larnaudii
A massive, fast-swimming catfish native to the Mekong basin, recognizable by a distinct large black spot just above its pectoral fins. Like the Iridescent Shark, it is a 'tank buster' that grows well over a meter in length. They are easily startled and prone to panic-swimming into glass, requiring enormous tanks with smooth decor.
Brown Bullhead Catfish
Ameiurus nebulosus
A highly adaptable, large North American catfish known for its distinct barbels and mottled brown skin. While incredibly hardy and tolerant of a wide range of water parameters, they are massive, opportunistic nocturnal predators. They will consume any tank mate small enough to fit in their cavernous mouths and produce substantial waste.
Lima Shovelnose Catfish
Sorubim lima
A highly distinctive, predatory catfish native to South America known for its elongated, flattened snout resembling a duckbill. They frequently rest vertically or head-down among driftwood to camouflage themselves. While generally peaceful toward fish too large to be eaten, they are highly effective nocturnal ambush predators and will swallow any tank mate that fits into their surprisingly large mouths.
Wels Catfish (European Catfish)
Silurus glanis
The Wels Catfish is a massive, highly predatory freshwater fish native to Eastern Europe and parts of Asia. As one of the largest freshwater fish in the world, it is wholly unsuited for standard home aquariums and requires a heavy-duty heated indoor pond or massive custom setup. They are highly opportunistic predators that will swallow any tank mate that fits into their enormous mouths.