Pictus Catfish
Alternative Name(s): Angelicus Catfish
Scientific Name(s): Pimelodus pictus
Category: Tropical
Difficulty:
Maximum Size: 12cms
Minimum Tank Volume: 240 litres
Minimum Tank Size: 48" x 18" x 18"
Water Temperature Range: 22-25°C
Water pH Range: 5.8-6.8
Water Hardness Range: 1-15 dGH
General Information: Striking silver white base and black spotted pimelodid catfish with lengthy barbels and a flighty personality. Sharp pectoral and dorsal fins, fast swimmer, should be indulged with open spaces and caves. Primarily nocturnal though dim lighting may encourage daytime activity.
Tank Requirements: See Minimum Tank Volume and Minimum Tank Size above
Diet Requirements: Primarily carnivorous - shrimp, small frozen fish, worms of all types, midge larvae, catfish pellets, carnivore diets, most sinking formulae.
Compatibility: Only keep with fish too big to be swallowed as the Pictus Cat is a predator. Can be a problem to slower moving fish with its vigorous swimming.
Recommendations: Never overcrowd, but preferably keep in a group of 6 as they thrive better in shoals. Maintain high o2 and ammonia-free, low nitrate water. Soft lighting, likes current. Plant aquarium margins.
Common Problems: Will eat far too much and suffer bloating if given the chance. A group will feed in a frenzy so feeding may need to be done at night to limit this. Suffers from poor water quality so scrupulous cleaning and water changes are needed.
Similar Species: Many similar pimelodids - Ornatus, White-Striped, Spotted etc. Most related species are larger and conspecifics will fight. Wild fish achieve double captive sizes.
Sexing: Impossible. No external differences.
Breeding: Not considered possible in aquaria. This species rarely reaches full sexual maturity in captivity, most likely in huge aquaria.
Author(s): longhairedgit, Fishlady | Photo: longhairedgit | Views: 31609
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