Pictus Catfish is a small fish that belongs to the catfish family called Pimelodidae.
It’s found naturally in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins. These fish are popular among aquarists.
There are certain guidelines to be followed while housing pictus catfish in captivity. They are not recommended for small aquariums.
The minimum aquarium size should be 120 cm (about 47 inches).
Their average life span in captivity is around 4 to 8 years, but one pictus catfish lived for 18 years in an aquarium.
Hence, they can live longer if you give pictus catfish proper care.
Sometimes, people mistakenly call this fish an Angelicus Cat, but that name is actually for a different African catfish called Synodontis angelica.
Pictus catfish is also mistaken as Leiarius pictus. However, the Leiarius pictus is significantly larger, measuring about 60 cm or 24 inches in length.
Pictus Catfish Interesting Facts
- Pictus catfish, also known as Pimelodus Pictus or Pictus, is a small fish that can grow up to 11 centimeters long.
- These fish are native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America and can be commonly found in freshwater aquariums around the world.
- Despite being mislabeled as Angelicus Cats in pet stores, they are actually unrelated to African catfish species.
- While their average lifespan ranges from 4 to 8 years in captivity, there have been cases where these fish have lived for up to 18 years in an aquarium.
Pictus Catfish Habitat
Pictus catfish is found in South America, specifically in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins.
It lives in freshwater environments, swimming close to the bottom of the water (benthopelagic).
The ideal water conditions for this fish are a pH range between 6.0 to 8.0, a dH range of 5 to 19 (water hardness), and a temperature between 72°F to 77°F (22°C to 25°C), which is considered tropical.
| Water Temperature: | 72°F to 77°F (22°C to 25°C) |
| Water pH: | 6.0 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 5 to 19 dH |
Pictus Catfish Physical Characteristics
Size: 4.3 inches (11.0 centimeters)
Pictus catfish can grow up to 4.3 inches (11.0 centimeters) long.
This measurement is taken from the tip of its nose to the end of its tail (also known as TL).
Pictus Catfish Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Siluriformes |
| Family: | Pimelodidae |
| Genus: | Pimelodus |
| Scientific Name: | Pimelodus pictus |
| Also Known As: | Pictus Catfish, Pictus, Spotted Pimelodus |
| Conservation Status: | Unknown |