Spotted pimelodus
Pimelodus pictus
Also known as pictus catfish
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 72–77°F
- 22–25°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 5.5 in
- 14 cm
- Minimum tank
- 55 gal
- 210 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Schooling
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- No record
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Pimelodidae
- Origin
- Colombia, Venezuela, Peru
Overview
The spotted pimelodus is a restless, fast-swimming catfish that patrols the lower and middle levels of the tank. It is hard to keep, and it suits an experienced keeper.
Did you know
The spotted pimelodus carries barbels longer than its own body. It sweeps them ahead and to the sides as it swims, tasting and feeling its way to food even in complete darkness.
Caring for the spotted pimelodus
Give the spotted pimelodus a spacious tank of at least 55 gal (210 L) with long, open lanes for swimming. Use a soft sand bed so it does not wear down its very long, sensitive barbels, and add smooth driftwood. A few shaded spots give it somewhere to rest by day.
Keep the water clean and well oxygenated, with brisk flow. Hold it at 72 to 77°F (22 to 25°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Feed sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms and chopped meaty foods.
The spotted pimelodus is an active schooling fish, so keep at least five together for calmer, more natural behavior. Despite its peaceful reputation, it will eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth. Avoid neons, guppies, fry and shrimp, and pair it with active, similarly sized fish instead.
Its stiff spines snag easily in a net, so move it in a container. It is not known to breed in home aquariums.
Good to know
The spotted pimelodus, better known as the pictus catfish, is a long-whiskered catfish of the family Pimelodidae. It is easily told apart by its silver body scattered with black spots. Like other pims, it has sharp, mildly venomous fin spines that can prick a careless hand.
In the wild
The spotted pimelodus comes from the Amazon and Orinoco drainages of Colombia, Venezuela and Peru. It lives in open stretches of warm, flowing rivers and streams over sand and fine gravel.
Common questions
What size tank does a spotted pimelodus need?
A spotted pimelodus needs at least 55 gal (210 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a spotted pimelodus need?
A spotted pimelodus is comfortable at 72–77°F (22–25°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a spotted pimelodus eat?
A spotted pimelodus eats sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms and chopped meaty foods. It will also eat any fish small enough to fit in its mouth.
How big does a spotted pimelodus get?
An adult spotted pimelodus reaches about 5.5 in (14 cm).
Does a spotted pimelodus need a group?
Yes. A spotted pimelodus is a schooling species and should be kept in a group, not singly.
Related species
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Pimelodus blochii
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