Pimelodus pictus
Silver body with sharp black dots, plus long barbels and pectoral spines that can catch in nets — net carefully with a coarse mesh or use a cup. Highly active and will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth, plan tank mates above 5 cm.
Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) reaches 13–15 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 200 L. Native to Orinoco and Amazon basins, it lives in the bottom to mid water column with a peaceful (active) temperament. Aim for 23–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.8, and 5–15 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 8–10 years with good care. Keep pictus catfish in groups of 3+, yes schoolers need numbers to display natural behaviour. Diet: omnivore (carnivore-leaning), Sinking pellet, frozen bloodworm and shrimp, small live food. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: No (will eat shrimp).
Care at a glance
Silver body with sharp black dots, plus long barbels and pectoral spines that can catch in nets — net carefully with a coarse mesh or use a cup. Highly active and will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth, plan tank mates above 5 cm.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether pictus catfish fits in your tank.
Bottom to mid
Yes
Group of 3+
Pimelodidae
Omnivore (carnivore-leaning)
Sinking pellet, frozen bloodworm and shrimp, small live food.
8–10 yrs
Very hard
Orinoco and Amazon basins
Orinoco and Amazon basins
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) needs a minimum tank of 200 L. They live in the bottom to mid water column and should be kept in groups of 3+, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 23–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.8, and 5–15 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: No (will eat shrimp). Plant safety: Yes.
Pictus Catfish are omnivore (carnivore-leaning). Sinking pellet, frozen bloodworm and shrimp, small live food.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: very hard.
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 8–10 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
