Will Pictus Catfish eat my other fish?

Yes, if the fish is small enough to fit in their mouth. Neon tetras, guppies, and similar small species are highly likely to be eaten at night. They should only be kept with fish too large to be swallowed.

How many Pictus Catfish should I keep together?

They are a shoaling species and feel most secure in groups. It is recommended to keep them in a group of at least 4 to 5 individuals to prevent stress and encourage their natural, active behaviours.

Why are my Pictus Catfish swimming erratically up and down the glass?

Glass surfing is common when they are newly introduced and still settling in. However, if it persists, it can be a sign of stress caused by a tank that is too small, poor water quality, or a lack of adequate hiding spaces and conspecifics.

How do I safely catch a Pictus Catfish?

You should never use a standard coarse aquarium net. Their serrated pectoral and dorsal spines will almost certainly become trapped in the mesh, leading to injury for the fish and frustration for the keeper. Instead, coax them into a solid plastic container or use a very fine, rigid mesh.

Are Pictus Catfish safe to keep with shrimp?

No. They are highly effective micropredators and will actively hunt and consume dwarf shrimp, such as Cherry or Amano shrimp.

FreshwaterTropicalIntermediate

Pictus Catfish

Pimelodus pictus

A highly active, striking silver catfish with bold black spots and remarkably long barbels, perfect for larger community aquariums.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 22 – 26 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 3 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 11 – 15 cm
200L minimum for a small group: 200 litres+
Lifespan: 8 – 10 years
Diet: Omnivorous/Micropredator
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Soft sandy substrate with driftwood roots, smooth stones, and plenty of shaded hiding spots. Dim lighting preferred.

About the Pictus Catfish

Pimelodus pictus, commonly known as the Pictus Catfish, is a remarkably energetic and visually stunning addition to the medium-to-large community aquarium. Originating from the flowing rivers of South America, this scaleless species is celebrated for its silvery-white body, jet-black spots, and impressively long, sweeping maxillary barbels. While often sold as solitary bottom-dwellers, they are naturally gregarious and display their best behaviours when kept in small groups.

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Is it right for your tank?

Check Pictus Catfish against a habitat you already keep. We compare water type, temperature, pH, adult size, group needs and everything living there.

Where Pictus Catfish comes from

Native range

Amazon River basin, Orinoco River basin

Countries / regions

Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela

Habitat

Shallow, flowing river waters over sandy or muddy substrates, often among tangled roots or submerged vegetation.

They are widely distributed across the major northern South American river systems.

Similar species

Four Lined Pimelodus
Pimelodus blochii
Synodontis Angelicus
Synodontis angelicus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Congo Tetra
Phenacogrammus interruptus
Large enough to avoid being eaten, and fast enough to coexist with the energetic swimming of the Pictus.
Great
Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
Peaceful, medium-sized cichlids make excellent tankmates as they occupy different zones and will not be preyed upon.
Great
Corydoras
Corydoras spp.
While generally safe from being eaten, Corydoras may be outcompeted for food by the faster, more aggressive feeding of the Pictus Catfish.
Compatible with caution
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Small, slender tetras are viewed as natural prey and will likely be eaten during the night.
Not recommended
Cherry Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi
Dwarf shrimp will be quickly hunted and consumed by this highly effective micropredator.
Not recommended

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