CheckMyFishTankPictus Catfish care
Pimelodus pictus · Freshwater · Intermediate level care
A silvery spotted catfish that is active at night and eats tiny fish.
Feeding
Twice a day. A few pellets or a couple of frozen items per fish that are gone in a few minutes. Sinking pellets, frozen foods, earthworms.
Eats fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
Eats shrimp and snails.
Good tank mates
Fish that pass every check with Pictus Catfish in a 130 gallon tank: same water, overlapping temperature, nobody gets eaten and no bullies.
Do not mix with
- Neon Tetra: Pictus Catfish grows big enough to eat Neon Tetra.
- Cardinal Tetra: Pictus Catfish grows big enough to eat Cardinal Tetra.
- Green Neon Tetra: Pictus Catfish grows big enough to eat Green Neon Tetra.
- Black Neon Tetra: Pictus Catfish grows big enough to eat Black Neon Tetra.
- Ember Tetra: Pictus Catfish grows big enough to eat Ember Tetra.
- Lemon Tetra: Pictus Catfish grows big enough to eat Lemon Tetra.
- Glowlight Tetra: Pictus Catfish grows big enough to eat Glowlight Tetra.
- Serpae Tetra: Pictus Catfish grows big enough to eat Serpae Tetra.
Questions
What size tank does a Pictus Catfish need?
At least 65 gallons for a group of 6. Adults grow to about 5 inches, so plan for the adult size, not the size at the store.
What temperature does a Pictus Catfish like?
74 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, with a pH of about 6 to 7.5. A steady temperature matters more than hitting one exact number.
How many Pictus Catfish should I keep together?
Keep 6 or more. They feel safe in a group and show better color and behavior.
What do Pictus Catfish eat?
Sinking pellets, frozen foods, earthworms. Feed twice a day: a few pellets or a couple of frozen items per fish that are gone in a few minutes.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-11-10. When sources disagree we use the safer number.