Pictus Catfish

Introduction: Meet the Pictus Catfish, a captivating and energetic addition to your aquatic kingdom. With its sleek body and charming whiskers, the Pictus Catfish is a delightful sight to behold. Let’s delve into the fascinating features and care guidelines of this unique catfish.

Scientific Name: Scientifically known as Pimelodus pictus, the Pictus Catfish belongs to the Pimelodidae family and originates from South America.

Water Quality: Maintaining excellent water conditions is vital for the health of your Pictus Catfish. Here are the key water parameters:

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 72°F and 79°F (22°C to 26°C) to provide them with a comfortable environment.
• pH Level: Maintain the pH level between 6.5 and 7.5 for slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
• GH Level: Aim for a general hardness (GH) of 5 to 12 dGH to ensure essential mineral availability.
• KH Level: Keep the carbonate hardness (KH) between 4 to 12 dKH for pH stability.

Feeding: Pictus Catfish are omnivorous and voracious eaters. Offer them a varied diet, including sinking pellets, live or frozen foods like bloodworms, and occasional vegetable matter.

Tank Mates: Pictus Catfish are social and prefer to be kept in groups of three or more. Suitable tank mates include other peaceful community fish like tetras, rasboras, and other catfish species.

Substrates and Tank Decorations: Use a fine-grain substrate to avoid injuring their delicate barbels. Provide hiding spots with driftwood, rocks, and caves to create a natural environment.

Suitable Plants: Pictus Catfish do not harm live plants, but they may uproot them during their explorations. Consider using hardy plants like Java Fern and Anubias.

Sexing: Sexing Pictus Catfish can be challenging, and there are no distinct visual differences between males and females.

Breeding: Breeding Pictus Catfish in captivity is rare and challenging due to their specific requirements and behaviors.

Maximum Size and Longevity: As they mature, Pictus Catfish can reach a maximum size of about 5 to 7 inches (12 to 18 cm). With proper care, they can live for up to 8 to 12 years, providing you with enduring joy.

General Information: The Pictus Catfish’s playful nature and whiskered appearance make it a captivating choice for catfish enthusiasts.

A Fun Fact: Pictus Catfish are known for their ability to communicate using their barbels, which they use to find food and navigate their environment.

Add the energetic charm of the Pictus Catfish to your aquarium. Their sleek appearance, social behavior, and playful antics will surely make them the whiskered beauty of your underwater realm!