Learn everything about Pictus Catfish care, including tank setup, diet, lifespan, size, tank mates, and more. Expert tips, personal experiences, and Amazon product picks to help your catfish thrive.
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If you’ve ever watched a Pictus Catfish glide across the bottom of an aquarium, you’ll understand why it’s such a popular choice among aquarists. With their long whiskers (barbels), sleek silver bodies, and constant energy, these fish bring life to any freshwater setup.
Quick Answer: Pictus Catfish are active, nocturnal bottom-dwellers that grow up to 5 inches and thrive in tanks of 55+ gallons with plenty of hiding spots, good filtration, and a varied diet.
When I first brought home my Pictus Catfish, I underestimated how much personality a bottom-feeder could have. Within hours, it was zipping around the tank, whiskers twitching like radar antennas. They quickly became one of my favorite fish to watch.
1. Pictus Catfish Overview
The Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) hails from the Amazon and Orinoco River basins in South America. Known for its striking barbels and lively behavior, it’s a staple in community tanks worldwide.
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Scientific Name: Pimelodus pictus
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Common Name: Pictus Catfish, Angel Catfish
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Temperament: Peaceful, active, semi-aggressive if stressed
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Care Level: Moderate
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Best For: Intermediate fish keepers with larger tanks
Quick Answer: Pictus Catfish are active South American bottom-dwellers with peaceful temperaments and moderate care needs.
2. Pictus Catfish Size and Max Size
Pictus Catfish are often mistaken for “small catfish,” but they grow faster than many expect.
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Average Size: 4–5 inches
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Max Size: Up to 6 inches in the wild
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Growth Rate: Moderate to fast with proper diet and tank space
Quick Answer: Pictus Catfish reach 4–5 inches in aquariums and require enough swimming space to stay healthy.
3. Pictus Catfish Lifespan
Like many tropical fish, the lifespan of a Pictus Catfish depends heavily on care.
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Average Lifespan: 8–10 years
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Maximum Lifespan: Some live beyond a decade in well-maintained tanks
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Keys to Longevity: Clean water, strong filtration, stress-free environment
I had one live nearly 9 years, and I credit that to weekly water changes and a diet beyond just flakes.
Quick Answer: With proper care, Pictus Catfish live 8–10 years, making them a long-term aquarium commitment.
4. Pictus Catfish Tank Setup
A good tank setup is the foundation of Pictus Catfish care.
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Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons (they’re very active swimmers)
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Substrate: Sand or smooth gravel (they sift through it with their whiskers)
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Decor: Driftwood, caves, and plants for hiding
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Lighting: Moderate to low, mimicking their natural habitat
Quick Pick: Try CaribSea Super Naturals Aquarium Sand for a smooth, catfish-friendly substrate.
Quick Answer: A 55+ gallon tank with sand, caves, and moderate lighting is ideal for Pictus Catfish.
5. Water Parameters for Pictus Catfish
Stability is key when it comes to water conditions.
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Temperature: 75–81°F
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pH: 6.0–7.5
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Hardness: 4–15 dGH
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Filtration: Strong—Pictus Catfish are messy eaters
Quick Answer: Keep Pictus Catfish in 75–81°F water with a pH of 6.0–7.5 and strong filtration.
6. Pictus Catfish Diet
Pictus Catfish are opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll eat just about anything.
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Staple Foods: Sinking pellets and wafers (try Hikari Sinking Wafers)
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Protein Treats: Bloodworms, brine shrimp, blackworms
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Vegetable Matter: Spirulina pellets, blanched zucchini
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Feeding Schedule: Once daily, ideally in the evening
I’ve noticed they get extra active when I drop in frozen bloodworms—they dart around like excited puppies.
Quick Answer: Pictus Catfish thrive on a varied diet of sinking pellets, frozen foods, and occasional vegetables.
7. Pictus Catfish Tank Mates
Tank mates can make or break your Pictus Catfish setup.
Good Tank Mates:
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Silver Dollars
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Giant Danios
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Plecos
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Gouramis
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Larger Tetras
Avoid:
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Very small fish (like neon tetras—they may become snacks)
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Aggressive cichlids that stress bottom-dwellers
I’ve kept mine with silver dollars and they got along perfectly—plenty of movement in all tank zones without conflicts.
Quick Answer: Pair Pictus Catfish with medium-to-large peaceful fish, but avoid small tank mates and aggressive species.
8. Pictus Catfish Behavior
One of the main reasons people love Pictus Catfish is their personality.
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Activity Level: Very active, especially at night
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Social Needs: Prefer groups, but can be kept singly
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Temperament: Peaceful, but may eat small fish if hungry
I keep mine in groups of three or more whenever possible—they seem more confident and active when not alone.
Quick Answer: Pictus Catfish are active, social bottom-dwellers that thrive in small groups.
9. Breeding Pictus Catfish
Here’s the tricky part: breeding Pictus Catfish in home aquariums is extremely rare.
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Reason: They require large river-like setups and specific triggers
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Breeding in Captivity: Almost all sold in stores are wild-caught
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Advice: Focus on general care instead of breeding attempts
Quick Answer: Breeding Pictus Catfish at home is nearly impossible—focus on providing great care instead.
10. Common Health Issues in Pictus Catfish
These fish are hardy but not invincible.
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Ich (White Spot Disease): Common if water quality dips
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Fin Damage: Can happen from sharp decorations or tank fights
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Bacterial Infections: Linked to poor filtration
Quick Answer: Pictus Catfish are prone to ich and bacterial infections if water quality drops—prevent issues with strong filtration.
11. Personal Tips for Pictus Catfish Success
After years of keeping these beauties, here are my top tips:
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Don’t underestimate their size—start with at least 55 gallons.
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Provide soft substrate to protect their barbels.
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Keep the tank covered—they may jump.
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Feed at night when they’re most active.
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Watch smaller tank mates carefully.
Quick Answer: Use a large tank, soft substrate, and a varied nighttime diet to keep Pictus Catfish thriving.
12. Pictus Catfish FAQ
Q: How big do Pictus Catfish get?
About 5 inches in captivity.
Q: How long do they live?
Typically 8–10 years.
Q: Can they live alone?
Yes, but they’re more active in small groups.
Q: Do they clean the tank?
Not really—they add bioload, so don’t rely on them for cleaning.
Q: Are Pictus Catfish aggressive?
Generally peaceful, but they may eat small fish.
Conclusion: Why Pictus Catfish Are Worth the Effort
The Pictus Catfish is an energetic, fascinating fish that adds constant activity to the bottom of your tank. While they require space, strong filtration, and careful tank mate choices, the payoff is a stunning, long-lived addition to your aquarium.
Final Quick Answer: Pictus Catfish are active, hardy, and rewarding fish that thrive in large, well-maintained community tanks.