Pictus Catfish

By: Yvonne Garcia
 
Common Name: Pictus Cat
Latin Name: Pimelodus Pictus
Origin: Columbian Amazon
Temperature: 72-80°F
Ease Of Keeping: Easy
Aggressivness: Peaceful
Lighting: Subdued
Adult Size: 6" (15cm)
Minimum Tank Size : 30
Feeding: Omnivorous (loves frozen or live bbs & bloodworms)
 
Comments:

Pictus cats are known to be much better in groups of 3 or more, but can be kept alone with little or no problems. Pictus cats are more active at night or in subdued lighting. By active, I mean you will see them swimming eradically throughout the substrate and up and down the tank's walls. This fish is very prone to Ich (white spot), and because it is scaleless, it is very difficult to rid of the ich without killing the fish. They are not aggressive, but should definately be kept away from anything small enough to be considered a meal. They WILL eat Neon Tetras and fish of this same size. I love my pictus.....he's been nothing more than a great addition to my tank. He does his share of hiding, and sneaking around during the day, but definately is quite comical in the evening while lights are out in his tank.