Pictus Catfish 4.5cm

Pictus Catfish

For aquarists chasing a catfish species that doesn’t get to monstrous sizes, has striking colours, and is a generally peaceful species, then the Pictus catfish will be a perfect consideration. This South American catfish only reaches around 12 cm and is a total oddball with its metallic colour and incredibly long whiskers. These fish are a go-to species because of their temperament and will be fine in smaller aquariums both in a species-only or community setting. 

Pictus catfish are one of the smallest members of their catfish family but are easily the most stunning. They have a metallic chrome body colour which is almost exclusive to this fish. As they don’t have any scales and just tight skin, it looks like these fish were dipped in silver given how reflective and shiny they are. Pictus catfish have a relatively small head with big eyes and whiskers that are almost, if not longer than their body. Their elongated body is peppered with large, jet-black spots which start just after the head and lead all of them into the tail. Pictus catfish are bottom-dwelling fish that tend to be nocturnal but it really does depend on the individual fish as some tend to be far more active. They can also be kept in a group and will make for a fantastic fish just to add some life to the aquarium. 

Pictus catfish are relatively hardy and tropical species that prefer a temperature range of 24-28 degrees. Their lack of scales does make them more susceptible to diseases like ICH and sensitive to medications which is the only concern. Breeding Pictus catfish have not been recorded in the home aquarium and these fish generally require large, open spaces to spawn which cannot really be provided in the home aquarium setting.

Tank Recommendations for your Pictus catfish

Pictus catfish only reach around 12 cm but tend to be quite active which is why it is best to keep these fish at a minimum tank size of 150 liters. Pictus catfish can be kept solitary or in a group with no issues but the aquarium setting can play a major impact on their activity levels. Having a sand or gravel substrate is fine, and these fish are totally plant-safe as well. Having driftwood and caves in the aquarium will give the necessary security that these fish need, having excess hiding spots will actually promote the fish to spend more time out in the open as they know safety is close by. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Pictus catfish is a relatively peaceful fish that can essentially be kept in a community aquarium setting. Even when fully grown, they are not active predator fish and will usually just scavenge in the aquarium for food but there is a definite high risk with nano species. 

Usually Compatible

Angelfish, Corydoras, Severums, blue acara, and a range of large to medium community fish.

Sometimes Compatible

Giant danio, dwarf rainbowfish, red line rasbora, hillstream loaches, and other small fish have a slight risk of being eaten.   

Rarely Compatible

It is best to avoid any large predatory fish like Dovii or jaguar cichlids as if they were to be swallowed, these spines will easily lodge in the predator's throat and will often kill them whilst often also resulting in the catfish's death as well. African cichlids are also not recommended due to the difference in required water parameters. Pictus catfish will also predate on nano fish like guppies, neon tetras, and similar fish. 

Feeding your Pictus Catfish

Once settled in, the Pictus catfish will be very easy to feed. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Just like any fish though they should be fed a varied diet with a mix of different foods. The ideal diet would be a good quality sinking pellet, supplemented with frozen krill or black worms or even live foods like baby brine shrimp or micro worms.