Edit Pimelodus pictus

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Name

Scientific name

Pimelodus pictus

Described by

Not recorded

Family

Pimelodidae

Common names

Pictus Cat

Photograph credits

All 5 credited

Summary

The pictus cat, Pimelodus pictus, is a small pimelodid catfish from the Rio Orinoco and Amazon basins in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Braz…

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

120mm, standard length

Aquarium size

Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 45 cm

Water

Water conditions

Temperature 22–25°C, pH 5.8–6.8

Hardness

1–15dGH

Conductivity

Not recorded

Behaviour

Temperament

Predatory

Community suitability

Not recorded

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Not recorded

Writing

Etymology

Not written yet

Distribution

Native to the Rio Orinoco and Amazon basins in Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Brazil.

Habitat

Tends to be found in shallow, flowing waters over sandy or muddy substrates, including both major river channels and their tributaries.

Aquarium size

Given its active nature it really shouldn't be kept in tanks measuring less than 120 ∗ 45 ∗ 45 cm - ~243 litres.

Maintenance

Does best in a dimly lit environment with plenty of swimming space, and a few hiding places to provide security. You won't see it move around as much in a brig…

Water conditions

Temperature: 22 – 25 °C pH: 5.8-6.8 Hardness: 1-15°H

Diet

Very easy to feed. It mainly preys on aquatic invertebrates in nature but in the aquarium will greedily accept just about anything offered. Meaty items such as…

Behaviour and compatibility

Peaceful enough but bear in mind this is a predatory species. Unfortunately it's often sold as a bottom dweller for the community of smaller fish, a situation …

Peaceful enough but bear in mind this is a predatory species. Unfortunately it's often sold as a bottom dweller for the community of smaller fish, a situation which must have led to the deaths of countless neons, guppies and similarly-sized species. It's really only suitable for roomy tanks with occupants that can't be swallowed. It can also bother slower-moving tankmates (such as many cichlids) with its activity levels and long barbels, especially at night or when feeding. Robust, active species therefore make the best tankmates. Rainbowfish, medium to large-sized characins, cyprinids and tough catfish such as Loricariids or Doradids are all suitable.

Although a single specimen will survive by itself, it's a shoaling species by nature and will be much more outgoing and active when maintained in a group of six or more. If kept alone it tends to remain hidden during daylight hours, emerging only after lights out.

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Where does this come from?

My own experienceFor example, I've kept twelve in a planted 60 cm tank since March 2024.A website I sawFor example, an IUCN Red List assessment, a museum catalogue or a FishBase page.A paperFor example, Marshall et al. (2011), Water temperature differences in interfluvial palm swamp habitats of Paracheirodon axelrodi and P. simulans.A book, or something not onlineFor example, Tappin (2010), Rainbowfishes: their care and keeping in captivity.Something already on the pageFor example, the Behaviour and compatibility section already says this.

Web address

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DOI

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Title

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Authors

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Year

Journal or publisher

Pages

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Anything worth adding

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Sexual dimorphism

Unconfirmed, although adult females are likely to be stockier in build than males.

Reproduction

Not thought to have been achieved in the hobby.

Notes

There are currently 32 genera and over 80 species included in the family Pimelodidae (including Pimelodus), making it the second largest and one of the most di…

References

No references

Name

Scientific name

Described by

Family

Common names

Photograph credits

Summary

Size and aquarium

Maximum size

Aquarium size

Water

Water conditions

Hardness

Conductivity

Behaviour

Temperament

Social needs

Community suitability

Where it lives

Countries, regions, rivers and lakes

Writing

Etymology

Distribution

Habitat

Aquarium size

Maintenance

Water conditions

Diet

Behaviour and compatibility

Sexual dimorphism

Reproduction

Notes

References

References