It’s also fun to watch them sway while your fish zips around your tank! Both of these can have a significant negative impact on their overall health. These fish also don’t have any scales. They belong to the family Pimelodidae and thrive in aquariums with a minimum of 55 gallons of water. Since these fish spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank so it’s important that you provide them food that will drift down to their level. Some people will also call them whiskers, but we’ll refer to them by their proper name throughout this guide. However, the color of stripes differs in different types. It is best to gradually add tank mates and monitor their behavior every day. The ones that can be controlled are all environmental, meaning that you can do something about them right away. Some common options include: You can feed them a mix of frozen and live food for the sake of variety. Placing your Pictus Catfish in a big enough aquarium is very important. If you have specific questions about certain pictus catfish tank mates feel free to ask us. There’s something about this fish that really adds a playful but natural feel to your tank. This is primarily due to the ease of care and the distinct “catfish” look it brings to your tank. Fortunately, the chances of them plaguing your fish are very small if you maintain the water quality. However, when it’s feeding time or something interesting happens in the tank you might see them zip around at lightning speed! Because of this, your job will be more about ensuring they get a balanced diet than actually encouraging them to eat. ). Omnivore. As long as it’s edible they will probably give it a shot! The most important thing to keep in mind when picking pictus catfish tank mates is size. However, it has been known to drift a little further away from this hotspot on occasion and has been found in Peru as well. The Pictus Catfish is genetically predetermined to grow to a size of approximately 5 inches. All the things we talked about above can hinder their growth. In a big community tank with lots of tank mates, however, things are not always that easy. We’ve talked to many pictus cat owners and they all give the same glowing review. Description. They usually grow to a maximum size of 5 inches in the home aquarium, although there is a rarely seen small spotted variant that can grow even bigger. They’re found in tanks…, The 15 Best Types Of Freshwater Aquarium Catfish, Clown Loach Care: Tank Size, Food, Lifespan, Tank Mates…, 35 Peaceful Community Fish For Your Tank (Updated List), Malaysian Trumpet Snail 101: Detailed Info & Care Tips, Bucktooth Tetra 101: Care, Feeding, Aggression, & More, Glowlight Tetra 101: Care, Tank Mates, Breeding & More. Its final size depends on many different factors and we are going to discuss them all in this article. There is relatively little sexual dimorphism, with females being slightly larger than males. Hopefully, this article made you understand everything that can contribute to, or hinder the growth of your Pictus Catfish. It’s very uncommon for these fish to exceed this size when fully grown, but it is possible. It takes 8 to 12 months for the Pictus Catfish fry to become a full-grown adult. They may eat smaller tetras. The Pictus Catfish is rather small, reaching only 5 inches in size when it becomes an adult. Pictus catfish care is something that anyone can do. Pictus Catfish Tank Size – Important Things to Consider. Pictus Catfish Size: Up to 5-inches: Pictus Catfish Lifespan: 8+ Years: Temperament: Peaceful: Preferred Tank Region: Bottom to middle: Scale Thickness: Pictus Catfish do not have scales. We recommend keeping them in groups of at least 5, preferably more. It’s not uncommon for them to grow to match the length of their bodies. Although you won’t see noticeable growth on the outside, their organs will keep growing in the inside. © Copyright 2020 - SmartAquariumGuide. The pictus catfish averages at 5 inches in size. Species like African cichlids or the Jack Dempsey fish are examples of tank mates that aren’t a good fit. This is a common issue among beginner fish keepers who don’t understand how things work in the world of these little pets. The caudal and dorsal fins on a pictus catfish are semi-translucent with the dorsal fins being a bit more clear than their caudal fins. The reason the recommended tank size is a bit large despite the fact that these are small fish is simple: they need room to roam. The funny thing about pictus catfish is that they’re shy and peaceful, but also quite active. The main color of the body is silvery with round black spots both on the body and fins. Minimum aquarium size: 114 L (30 gal) Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 26 °C (79 °F) General swimming level: Bottom to midwater . If you aren’t sure what gender your fish are, it will obviously impact the rest of the breeding process! This means that unless the aquarium you’ve been using is WAY over the minimum tank size, your pictus catfish likely can’t reproduce. In its adult years, pictus catfish reaches 3 to 5 inches in size. You’ll also want to be aware that the sharp spines on their fins can lead to them accidentally cutting other fish. The list of potential pictus catfish tank mates is rather long due to their peaceful nature. The first thing that we recommend is adding some plants to your aquarium. Why Is My Pictus Catfish Hiding all the Time. They’re very pretty, have that distinct catfish look, don’t cause trouble in your tank, and can be very fun to observe. One easily identifiable challenge of keeping a pictus catfish in your aquarium is simply the fact that the catfish’s fins get extremely sharp—much like the claws of a cat. SmartAquariumGuide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. These fish are as interesting as they are beautiful. Although the Pictus Cat only grows to 12cm, a large tank is required to provide ample swimming room. There may be a few reasons behind that and fortunately, most of them can be controlled. There are dark dots that scatter all over their bodies with fairly even spacing, although these are less present on their stomachs as well. That’s what makes good pictus catfish care so important. So why is a 10-gallon aquarium not enough for them? This is uncommon but it has been reported to happen. If you notice that your fish keeps head-butting the aquarium glass throughout the day, then there might be a serious problem. Feed them with a healthy diet and make sure they are held in the right conditions and with the right tank mates. Pictus catfish are quite active swimmers, especially when compared to their more mellow catfish relatives. The habitat these freshwater aquarium catfish should mimic their natural environment to keep them comfortable, stress-free, and healthy. While this will certainly impact how you carry the fish—in a plastic box, not in a net or bag—it might also impact any non-catfish tank mates or other aquarium accessories that you leave in with your fish. In our opinion, if you’re keeping an animal in captivity it’s your obligation to go the extra mile to make sure they thrive. It is often found in the Amazon in nature but has made its way throughout the globe as it’s popularity as a household pet has risen. As long as you have the right tank size, tank mates, and water conditions, you’re going to be just fine. Temperament / Behavior: They are very active but not all that aggressive and can be kept with similar sized tank mates. This behavior is what makes them feel comfortable and safe, which is why you need to provide them with ample hiding places where they can have some privacy. We’re not sure why this is, but there’s a proven link. The Pictus Catfish is a nocturnal, medium-sized option that grows to a length of about 11-12 inches. They’re cute, easy to care for, not aggressive, and we love their long barbels! Required fields are marked *. So I just wanted to do a spotlight on my two beautiful pictus catfish that I have growing and living with my cichlid and community tank. One of the most distinguishing features of the Pictus Catfish is its ‘whiskers’. Carnivore pellets, for example, are great for them in the night hours. Even though they are on the smaller side they still need at least a 55 gallon tank or larger to allow for adequate swimming room. The point is that you need to ensure that your Pictus Catfish gets enough food to eat and to take into account that they are nocturnal fish. To move the fish from one tank to another use … 120179 ): High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity. 69278): 3.2 ±0.5 se; Based on size and trophs of closest relatives Resilience (Ref. It didn’t take long after their initial discovery for them to be added to freshwater tanks. If you consider these suggestions before setting a tank or choosing suitable tankmates for Pictus Catfish then there will be no issues. Diet. On rare occasions, pictus catfish can grow up to five inches in length. Also, avoid those fish that would steal their food all the time. Pictus cats are usually sold as wild-caught juveniles when they are about 2 to 3 inches in length. You will see them scavenging during the night, looking for food. Pictus catfish care is not that difficult if you know the basic guidelines to follow. This fish may sometimes be aggressive and may feed on other smaller species. This is true whether they live in their natural environment or in an aquarium. A poor diet, inadequate water conditions, and even breeding attempts can all shorten their lifespan significantly. It has transparent fins and white barbels. You can find these black spots on their dorsal and caudal fins too. It means that the fish tank is too small and your fish is basically going crazy. Appearance of Pictus Catfish. Like many catfish, P. pictus has a downturned mouth and a for… These fish love company and will usually be more active when shoaling. There are plenty of contaminants that can build up in the water and cause them to be sick. 8 - 12. Straying outside of the recommended ranges below can cause serious problems for your fish. The temperature should be somewhere between 75 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit and the acidity between 7.0 to 7.5 pH. The pictus catfish is adapted to sandy and muddy river beds in the wild. In keeping with their average nature, pictus catfish reach approximately four inches in size once they’ve matured – when they’re kept in a tank, that is. There are many different types of aquarium catfish out there. All of these things are easy for you to control, and will significantly reduce the chance of your fish becoming ill in the future. 55. Right out of the gate you’re faced with a major roadblock. Its body is long and slender and in captivity it will generally grow to 5 inches in length. The Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) is a very active catfish species that gets to around 4 inches (11 cm). This is one of the reasons why they’re so popular with freshwater aquarists. So, it is safer not to place them in the same tank with smaller fishes. Other additions like rocks and driftwood are also a good idea. The main potential diseases that could affect your pictus catfish are the usual suspects that all aquarists fear. These barbels can reach all the way down to the … Do things like making sure the water quality and parameters are under control by performing frequent water tests. Your email address will not be published. Compared to the other elements of pictus catfish care, breeding them is notoriously challenging. The quality of care and diet play a big role in their size. Gill Considerations They have sharp spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins, which makes shipping a difficult task, since the spines can pierce plastic bags and get caught in nets. This is the first step to ensure optimal growth for the Pictus Catfish. How big do pictus catfish get? Water quality is crucial to prevent these illnesses from taking over. It’s very uncommon for these fish to exceed this size when fully grown, but it is possible. Then they’ll camp out again. You will, therefore, need a large tank if you are going to accommodate the adult sizes of several of them. Make sure they are not going to get bullied, injured or potentially eaten. No matter what kind of food you drop in the tank, your Pictus Catfish is probably going to eat it. Stress and lack of food can both hinder the growth of your fish. We’ve heard from countless owners who just can’t get enough of them and would get even more if they had enough space. There are plenty of aggressive, overly active and even voracious fish out there. In fact, it can be tough to find tank mates that aren’t a good fit. Black, White. The bodies of the pictus catfish is a shiny light silver that extends evenly all over their body. Pictus Cats are active at night scavenging for food on or near the substrate and will readily consume very small fishes like Neon Tetra while they sleep. Preferred Water Parameters pH: 6.0 – 7.5 Let’s see what you can do to ensure that your little pet keeps growing. 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