Spotted pimelodus, pictus, pictus catfish (Pimelodus pictus) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Pictus catfish, Pictus, Pictus pimelodus, Angel catfish, Pimelodella pictus
Family
Pimelodidae (long-whiskered catfishes)
Origin
South America: Amazon and Orinoco river basins (fish are imported from Peru and Colombia).
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
11 cm
Temperature
22–25°C
pH
5.8–6.8
Hardness
Soft to medium, 5–19 dGH
Minimum tank
240 litres
Care level
intermediate
Temperament
peaceful
Lifespan
4–8 years years

Care

A very active, sociable catfish that swims constantly, especially around feeding time. PlanetCatfish recommends a group of at least five. It needs a lot of open swimming space: FishBase gives a minimum aquarium length of 120 cm, so about 240 litres is our estimate for a group. FishBase also notes that it is not ideal for most home aquariums for this reason. Use a soft sand or smooth substrate, a few caves or pieces of wood for cover, and leave the middle of the tank open. Good filtration with a moderate current and plenty of oxygen suit it. PlanetCatfish gives 22–25 °C and pH 5.8–6.8 (FishBase gives a wider pH of 6–8 and 5–19 dGH). Keep the water clean with regular changes. Like other scaleless catfish it is sensitive to some medications, so use treatments with care. Handling: the dorsal and pectoral spines carry small hooks that are notorious for tangling in nets, and they can give a painful jab. PlanetCatfish recommends catching it with a plastic container instead of a net. Identification: a silvery fish with black spots and very long barbels. PlanetCatfish describes two forms: a Peruvian fish with large, dalmatian-style spots and a Colombian fish with smaller, pin-prick spots; the pattern changes with age. Males and females cannot easily be told apart. FishBase gives an average lifespan in captivity of 4–8 years, with one fish recorded living 18 years. FishBase lists it as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 2020). Sources: PlanetCatfish (planetcatfish.com/common/species.php?speciesid=276); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Pimelodus-pictus.html). Checked October 2026.

Diet

An unfussy carnivore. It takes sinking pellets and granules as well as live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and chopped prawn. In the wild it eats invertebrates and small fish. Feed generously, as it is very active, and remember it will eat fish small enough to swallow.

Breeding

Breeding has not been reported in the aquarium (PlanetCatfish), and sexes cannot easily be told apart. Fish in the trade are wild-caught or farmed by hormone-induced spawning.

Compatibility and tank mates

Peaceful towards fish of its own size, but it will soon eat smaller fish such as neon tetras. Its constant activity can also stress very shy or slow fish. Good companions are robust, similar-sized or larger species such as larger tetras, barbs, rainbowfish, peaceful cichlids, Synodontis and doradids.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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