Species profile
Pictus Catfish
Pimelodus pictusPictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) is a social community species for a cycled 55+ gallon freshwater aquarium. Plan for about 5 inches as an adult, 74-80°F water, pH 6-7.5, and beginner-friendly care. Keep a group of at least 3; larger groups often behave more naturally when the tank has room.
Community leaningBeginner-friendly care
55 galMinimum tank
5 inAdult size
3Schooling minimum
74-80°FTemperature
Water Range
- pH
- 6-7.5
- GH
- 4-15 dGH
- KH
- 2-10 dKH
Behavior
- Temperament
- Moderate
- Fin nipping
- 0/5
- Territory
- 1/5
Diet and Care
- Diet
- omnivore/carnivore
- Diet difficulty
- 2/5
- Care difficulty
- 2/5
Planning Notes
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These matches are starting points with overlapping water ranges and lower behavior risk. Always check the full stocking plan, tank size, and group counts before buying.
Run Pictus Catfish through the checker with your tank size, cycle status, water, group count, and tankmates before buying.
Check my tankCompare this speciesPut Pictus Catfish beside another profile to compare water range, size, diet, schooling needs, and behavior.
Open comparisonWill plants work?Match Pictus Catfish against aquarium plants for nibbling, uprooting, cover, flow, and water-range flags.
Open plant matchAsk about my setupAsk Advisor how Pictus Catfish fits with your current tank, recent logs, plants, and livestock.
Ask AdvisorView native rangeOpen the origins map to see reviewed native-range coordinates and regional context for Pictus Catfish.
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