Pictus Catfish

Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) is one of the most recognizable and popular medium-sized catfish in the hobby — a sleek, silver-bodied pimelodid with bold black spots and extraordinarily long, sweeping barbels that can extend all the way to the tail. Active, fast-moving, and constantly exploring, Pictus Catfish fill the middle-to-bottom zone of an aquarium with non-stop movement. They have been a staple of the hobby for decades for good reason.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets and Hikari Sinking Wafers make excellent staples — feed after lights out when this nocturnal species is most active. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms 2–3 times per week. The barbels are delicate — avoid sharp substrate and use smooth sand or fine gravel. Note: the sharp pectoral spines can lock into aquarium nets; always use a container rather than a net to move these fish.

Native to the fast-flowing rivers of the Amazon and Orinoco basins — Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. Inhabits clear, warm, well-oxygenated water over sandy substrate. The extremely long barbels are sensory organs used to navigate and find food in the dark. In nature, Pictus Catfish occur in schools and are active hunters of invertebrates and small fish.

Keep in groups of three or more — lone Pictus Catfish are noticeably more stressed and hide more than fish kept in company. They are peaceful toward fish too large to eat, but their mouths are larger than they appear. Any fish that fits in that mouth — including neon tetras, small rasboras, and similar nano fish — will eventually be eaten, particularly at night when the catfish is most active.

A larger aquarium is important — the Pictus is an active, fast-swimming fish that covers a lot of ground. A minimum of 55 gallons for a group, with good filtration and water movement. Compatible with medium-sized tetras, barbs, cichlids, and other robust community fish that are too large to be prey.

Care & Ideal Parameters