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Four-line pimelodus

Pimelodus albofasciatus

Also known as Four line pim

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F (23–28°C)
pH
6.0–7.5
Adult size
11.8 in (30 cm)
Minimum tank
106 gal (400 L)
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Schooling
Tankmates
Tankmates with caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Origin
Guiana Shield rivers and upper Orinoco
Family
Pimelodidae

Overview

The four-line pimelodus is an active, schooling catfish, much like an oversized pictus, and is happiest in a group of five or more that cruise the lower half of the tank together. It is peaceful toward fish it cannot eat but is an efficient hunter of anything small, so choose tankmates with care: sturdy midwater and bottom fish of similar size, nothing neon-sized. Feed sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm and prawn, and chopped meaty foods. It swims hard and needs open lanes, a soft floor and a secure lid. A group calls for a long tank of about 400 liters or more.

In the wild

The four-line pimelodus comes from Guiana Shield rivers and the upper Orinoco, ranging along river margins where it forages after dark. Give it open sand for swimming, driftwood and rockwork for daytime shade, and steady, well-oxygenated flow. Warm, soft to neutral water at 23 to 28 degrees Celsius and pH 6.0 to 7.5 suits it. Keep nitrate down with regular changes, as these active catfish need clean, oxygen-rich water.

Good to know

Pimelodus albofasciatus is a pimelodid that can grow to around 30 centimeters, well beyond the familiar pictus catfish. Its name means white-banded, for the pale stripes running the length of its silver, fine-scaled body. Like its relatives it carries stiff, barbed spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins that can lock erect. No aquarium spawning has been recorded, and the fish is wild-caught.

Did you know

Buyers who fall for a tank of little pictus catfish sometimes graduate to this fish by accident: the same darting, striped shape, but at more than twice the length.

Common questions

What size tank does a Four-line pimelodus need?

A Four-line pimelodus needs at least 106 gal (400 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH do Four-line pimelodus need?

Four-line pimelodus are comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.

How big do Four-line pimelodus get?

An adult Four-line pimelodus reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).

Do Four-line pimelodus need a group?

Yes. Four-line pimelodus are a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.

Where to buy

Some links may not be the exact species or variety.

…or ask your local fish store.

Appears in

Freshwater fish · Schooling fish · Bottom dwellers

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