PICTUS CATFISH (PIMELODUS PICTUS)

The pictus catfish is a suitable addition to many freshwater community tanks. Their nocturnal nature just requires dim lighting or places to hide during the day. These fish have the potential to grow up to a yard long, but most pictus catfish bred in captivity do not end up that large.

This attractive catfish has a black and white spotted pattern. And the barbels, or “whiskers,” on this fish can be so long that they run the length of the body. They can create a beautiful contrast to other colorful fish in your tank.

Learn more about the pictus catfish and everything they need to thrive.

Origin and Distribution

The pictus catfish is a nocturnal fish native to South America. Franz Steindachner, a zoologist, described these fish in 1876.

They are found in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, and they’re native to countries that include Colombia, Brazil, Venezuela, and Peru. But they have been kept in aquariums for many generations.

Colors and Markings

The pictus catfish has a characteristic silvery, smooth body with black spots. Like other catfish species, they do not have any external scales. They have the common barbels, used for tasting food deep in the substrate, and sharp spines on their pectoral and dorsal fins.

Take great care when handling these fish to avoid getting poked by these spines. These fish are often snagged in nets, so using an open container to handle these fish is recommended.

If your hand is perforated by a catfish spine, clean it carefully and do not return your hand to the tank water.

Tankmates

Being peaceful, nocturnal fish, the pictus catfish can be kept with many different species, provided they are not too aggressive during the daytime while the pictus catfish is hiding.