Remarks: Pictus Cats (Pimelodus pictus) have been a staple in the aquarium hobby for years due to their friendly faces, active personalities, and relative peacefulness. However, this peacefulness no longer applies if fish are small enough to fit in their mouths as they will be hunted after the lights go out. Pictus catfish can also become very nippy and aggressive if not kept in proper numbers of at least 5 fish. This will help them focused on each other rather than harassing tankmates. They will often be seen darting around the bottom of the tank in search of food (which includes anything small enough to fit in their mouth!) though they are nocturnal by nature and may spend some portions of the day hiding under a log or leave. Give them some scattered driftwood and river rocks to create a maze along the substrate and they will be happy.

Scientific Name: Pimelodus pictus

Common Name: Pictus Cat

Max Size: 5″

pH: 5.5-8.0

Hardness: Moderate

Temperature: 70-83

Aggressiveness: Peaceful

Region of Origin: South America

Captive Bred or Wild: Wild

Diet: Frozen or live meats, occasional vegetables

Compatibility: Plecos, catfish, schooling fish, livebearers, rainbowfish.

Tank Mate Options:

• Geophagus sveni
• Red Spotted Severum
• Banded Leporinus