Suitable Tank Mates. In captivity, 4-5 inches is pretty much their maximum size. The key to having a community fish tank with a pictus cat is all about matching sizes. Naturally found in shallow flowing waters of the Orinico and Amazon Rivers, these small catfish are […] Catfish are one of the most sought-after freshwater aquarium fish for beginners setting up a new home aquarium. This list allows you to cherry-pick some interesting fish for your aquarium and set it up according to your taste. Fishes smaller than the Pictus Catfish are definitely going to be eaten by this breed. The species listed on this page are the result of detailed research and informed knowledge. You need to find species that will not be a threat to the catfish, and will not make them insecure or unsafe. Help/Advice. This little beauty has a life span of approximately 8 years. It is one of the most decorative fish you can get. Yet another fish with peaceful temperament that drifts around looking for food. This is a schooling fish and you can often encounter it swimming in lar… Pictus catfish are peaceful species that are easy to care for and do not have a complicated feeding habit. Although, Pictus Catfish are not aggressive they tend to chaise smaller fish to the point of eating them. If you are into super colorful fish, then you are going to like this one a lot. Pictus Catfish care in the fish tank? One easily identifiable challenge of keeping a pictus catfish in your aquarium is simply the fact that the catfish’s fins get extremely sharp—much like the claws of a cat. It is spread over Amazon and Orinoco rivers within Peru and Columbia. One of the most common species of catfish you will find in aquariums all across the globe are the Pictus Catfish. I have a 55 gallon aquarium all set up and ready for fish (has been cycled, etc) and all it has right now is sand, I am in the process of getting driftwood/rocks. The Rummy Nose Tetra is one of the typical omnivores that live on a very simple diet. There is a chance that they could eat fish that are significantly smaller in size. It won’t do it out of aggression but rather because of hunger. They have a similar, omnivorous diet and will actually work in tandem with the pictus catfish to keep the tank clean by eating algae and other edible detritus that accumulates at the bottom of the tank. This is a South American fish that is predominately found around the Amazon river basin. Interestingly, they are active and hunt for small fish at night. This will generally be quoted as a range of values. Temperature : 23 – 26°C / 73.4–78.8 °F. This is a fish that is a bottom breeder but has big ambitions, and it is becoming ever more popular in the aquarium world. Since they are bottom dwellers, they won’t bother other fish. Can Ghost Shrimp And Cherry Shrimp Live Together In A Tank? Certain species are more likely to be aggressive and to strike out at other fish. Disclosure: I may earn a commission when you purchase through my affiliate links. What makes the Pictus Catfish unique is its slender, black dotted and silverish body and its exceptionally long barbels. Take a look! Platydoras armatulus by Astellar87 (CC BY-SA 4.0). This is primarily due to the ease of care and the distinct “catfish” look it brings to your tank. Pictus Catfish Tank Mates and Compatibility. They all have suitable personalities and physical features that allow them to share a tank with the pictus catfish. If you plan to keep a single specimen then the minimum size required is a 55 gallon tank. In order to complement their regular diet, they are constantly on the lookout for algae. This species flourishes in shades of blue and opaline, making it a beautiful specimen to add to your community tank. You will find information about how to keep, care, feed, choose tankmates for the pictus catfish. Any thoughts on tank mates? If you do happen to include more than one in your aquarium, then you should be wary of territorial aggression, and smaller fish such as the catfish can get caught in the middle. The ideal tank for a pictus catfish is probably a long tank. These fish will eat whatever they can find in the tank. Community tanks can be a really exciting environment. With all these considerations in mind, the following species are totally qualified to be suitable tank mates for the pictus catfish. The Opaline Gourami is a real showstopper of a fish, so you shouldn’t need more than one per tank. They are known to nip at other fish sometimes when they zip around in schools. This helps with any possibility of aggression towards one another and other fishes, because of reducing territorial concerns with mates, et cetera. In the wild you will find Pictus Catfish in shoals so keep this in mind when making plans your aquarium. Like the pictus catfish, they have long, distinctive barbels which they actually use to navigate the floor of the waterway, especially in muddy, unclear waters. With all these considerations in mind, the following species are totally qualified to be suitable tank mates for the pictus catfish. They are highly suitable companions for the pictus catfish for a number of reasons. Rainbow shark by MerlinSenger (CC BY-SA 3.0). That is one of the main elements he encounters out in the wild. Can Guppies And Shrimp Live Together In A Tank? How many and what tank mates? Whilst it can be challenging for novice keepers to Any knowledgeable person should be able instruct you on the temperament of their fish.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'aquamovement_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',152,'0','0'])); Size is also important. Despite the fact that it looks very special, you can easily get one at the fish store. © Copyright 2020 - SmartAquariumGuide. Jun 17, 2019 - We are going to tell you about pictus catfish. Be careful, as these little fellas are very agile and if they become restless, they can jump out of the tank. Furthermore, they are quite active throughout the day. With their black and orange triangular stripes and slim, oval shaped body, they are a delight to look at. They appreciate the companionship of other species, being calm and peaceful all the time. Hi, I'm in the process of setting up a 75 gallon community tank. The Rainbow Shark is one of the most interesting tropical fishes out there. In a confined environment, some fish display territorial behavior which can be fatal. Me and my partner got a new tank together and we currently have goldfish and a pictus catfish in it. By keeping the Clown Loach in a group of 3 or more, you can pretty much guarantee them having a great time. There should be no competition for resources, and a larger space will provide more free space to roam. – read more. The Pictus Catfish is generally a non-territorial and non-aggressive fish, so you should have no problems keeping them with most other species of fish. You will need to pay particular attention to the water quality and frequent water changes are also required. In general, they are easy to take care of, easy to breed and their diet is not complicated either. The name says it all, the Siamese Algae Eater spends most of its time eating all the algae it can find in the tank. If you need an algae eater as a Pictus Catfish tank mate, then this one is a great alternative. It is not exactly one of those peaceful community species because this one can get quite territorial with its tank mates. Birthplace of Pimelodus pictus is in South America. Pictus Catfish? This eye-catchy species requires a lot of driftwood to be placed in the tank. We can absolutely recommend each and every fish on the list for beginner fish keepers as well. The pictus catfish have a mellow temperament, and this peaceful nature has made them a staple in community tanks. You should have at least a 150 gallon tank if you plan to keep a shoal; this will support 3-4 Pictus Catfish. They love to retreat to crevices, but they dash out at lighting speeds during feeding times. What signifies this species is the horizontal black line that runs through each side of its elongated body. There are a set of common behaviours that you will want to see in a potential community tank species, all of which will be outlined in this article.eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'aquamovement_com-box-3','ezslot_4',147,'0','0'])); You also want fish that can survive and thrive in very similar conditions and aquatic environments, and you should seek species that will enhance the natural colors and behaviours of the common catfish. Images are copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the copyright holder. This species is going to be one of the most peaceful tank mates for your Pictus Catfish. The Pictus Catfish is an active fish, and it requires a lot of space to swim in a tank. The pictus catfish (scientific name: pimelodus pictus) is an extremely popular freshwater fish among aquarists and has been so for quite a while. Firstly, both these aquatic species are freshwater species, with a similar tolerance level for impurities and unwanted substances, and they also grow to a similar size. They are certainly eye-catching, with a light background and spots of iridescent blue. The Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus Pictus) also known as Pictus Cat and Angel Cat, is a member of the Pimelodidae family.It is one of the most popular catfish within the aquarium trade and can be a standout in any tank. Aqua Movement does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. AquaMovement.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sitesto earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. You simply can’t miss it because of its vivid colors and unique striped pattern. Minimum Tank Size: 45 Gallons (205 Liters) Care Level: Moderately Hard Water Conditions: 5.5-7.0 pH and Soft Water Temperature: 72-77 °F (22-25 °C) Maximum Size: 5 inches (20 cm) The Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) is a small catfish that is native to the Orinico and Amazon rivers and can be found in Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Peru. They are basically bottom-dwellers that scavenge in the substrate. We are about to show you the 10 best Pictus Catfish tank mates, saving you the precious time that you would otherwise need to spend on research. Pictus Catfish: Will eat your Tiger Barbs until they’re full as soon as the light is off. It fits well into any community, be it a single species one but does well as a standalone pet too. If you are worried about them upsetting other fish, consider investing in partitions or a larger tank. This is a high-energy fish which can create quite a spectacle as they zip around the aquarium in large schools. The Ram Cichlid can flourish in a wide palette of vivid colors, making it a decorative addition to your community aquarium. Most of the other fish on this list of the best Pictus catfish tank mates have been mid-dwellers who can easily ignore the swift catfish at the bottom of the ecosystem. Best Tank Mates for Pictus Catfish. Can Pleco and Cichlids Live Together In A Tank? There are lots of factors to consider when searching for suitable tank mates for your beloved pictus catfish. Pictus Catfish Tank Mates. Tetras? Catfish are not normally considered stand-out fish in a community tank, but the pictus catfish may be the exception to this rule. Hardness : Soft to Moderately Hard 5° to 18° dH. I was thinking 2 more Pictus cats, other than that I'm not sure. They are outstanding fish for community tanks as long as you pick equally sized or bigger fish. Also would the Pictus try to eat the Zebra Danios or are Danios to fast, I was sold the pictus under the impression it was a normal catfish and not a large(ish) growling razor spined high speed pedator. You can even choose from dozens of different types, each of them more unique than the other. Pictus Catfish and Guppies – Can They Live Together. Some fish are more resilient to non-ideal conditions, so if possible, you should choose species which will not react violently to unbalanced water conditions. You will mostly see him swimming in the top and middle levels of the aquarium. Tends to be found in shallow, flowing waters over sandy or muddy substrates, including both major riverchannels and their tributaries. Pictus catfish tank size. 11 Best Cory Catfish Tank Mates (With Pictures). Don’t even bother looking for the third dot, as it’s simply his eye. In fact, there are even more species that you can lightheartedly keep together with them in a community tank. There are plenty of different species to choose from for the 5-inch size of the Pictus Catfish. Before choosing a tank mate for a catfish such as the pictus catfish, there are so many things you need to take into account. This list presented several of the best cory catfish tank mates. This is not usually an issue in larger community tanks with a good variety of species. Its graceful movement, wandering barbels and fine spotted pattern has long made it a favorite of the aquarium enthusiast’s world. With their shimmering blue halo, they can become a real feature in a medium sized freshwater tank and will appeal to hobbyists and ordinary folk alike. No wonder it’s on the top of the buying list of countless fish hobbyists. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Tiger Barb has an incredible life span of 5 to 10 years depending on how you contribute to their general life quality. It is also an outstanding choice for beginner fish keepers. The most common and wildly available specie of catfish you can find are the Pictus Catfish. All the information on AquaMovement.com is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. The cory is not a difficult fish breed to cohabitate with by any means. Although it can grow to be relatively large (12 inches) it is never a threat to smaller fish such as Catfish, and its diet consists mostly of generic feed or worms. Far from the imposing, aggressive images that the name might give rise to, Rainbow sharks are actually small, peaceful fish from Asia who have little in common with their scarier cousins.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'aquamovement_com-box-4','ezslot_3',150,'0','0'])); Although you might like to entertain your guests with their interesting name, they pose no threat to your catfish. In fact, they are indubitably one of the best pictus catfish tank mates that money can buy. Jun 17, 2019 - The Pictus Catfish is an unmistakable fish and is hugely popular amongst hobby fish keepers. They also dwell naturally in similar waters and have a mutually suitable temperament. Thankfully, they tend to ignore bottom dwelling fish such as the Pictus Catfish, in a community tank setting. Keeping them in schools also makes them feel more secure and ensures that they thrive in the tank. They are either going to get irritated by them or eaten. Perhaps the most interesting thing about them that they don’t have scales. If a fish is placed in unsuitable water conditions, then this can have disastrous effects on the long-term health and general welfare of the fish. For example, fish will survive in a range of water temperatures, in a range of pH levels and a range of hardness levels. Besides that, we have some further advice for you right here. It was first labeled by Franz Steindachner, an Austrian zoologist in 1876. When kept in schools, Tiger Barbs tend to be less aggressive. Its popping colors and energetic personality all make for delightful characteristics. Pictus Catfish Tank Mates (source – CC BY-SA 4.0) You need to choose tank mates wisely, as the Pictus Catfish will eat smaller species if it gets hungry. The Tiger Barb has absolutely no problem living in the same tank with other species, including the Pictus Catfish. You might want to raise them in a separate tank before mixing them with the adults. Once they get hungry, they show no mercy toward fish that can fit into their mouth. In this article, we have shown you the 10 very best tank mates in case you want to keep things as simple as possible. The Aquarium Catfish Website. You literally can’t find another species that has a black and white striped anal fin and a red nose at the same time. The pictus catfish is a real attraction in any fish tank. Pictus catfish behavior makes them ideal for housing with many other Pictus catfish, and they should, in fact, be kept in groups of five. Keep this schooling fish in a group of 6 or more and you are going to be pleased the visual experience it introduces to your aquarium. Before investing in a tank mate, you should also understand the ideal conditions which each aquatic species needs. Temperament / Behavior: They are very active but not all that aggressive and can be kept with similar sized tank mates. I currently have 2 Pictus cats in my 30 gallon that I'll be transferring to it once it's established. C. It also like soft water, with low levels of nitrates, and a steady pH of about 6.5. They are generally calm, peaceable and happy to ignore or co-exist with these peace-loving bottom dwellers, without upsetting the tranquility and equilibrium of a functioning community tank. This makes them a bit sensitive as well. For instance, temperament is key. It is important not to keep them in lower numbers because they can get stressed about it to the point of getting sick. It is an omnivore and you can give him literally anything you want as long as it contains the necessary nutrients and vitamins. Furthermore, since Angelfish are nocturnal species, you will need to make the lighting a bit dimmer than the usual. Since the Pictus Catfish is a predatory fish, it is best to ensure that it’s the smallest one in the aquarium. Not so with the striped Raphael Catfish. If you don’t keep them together with fish that can fit in their mouth, however, then they are going to keep a peaceful temperament. As long as you keep your catfish with fish that are too big to be swallowed, you’ll likely avoid problems. TANK SET UP. However, this behavior only manifests itself if you put them together with small and shy fish. SmartAquariumGuide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Botia macracanthus by Vlad Butsky (CC BY 2.0). 11 Best Fish For 29 And 30 Gallon Tank (With Pictures). If you don’t keep them together with fish that can fit in their mouth, however, then they are going to keep a peaceful temperament. They can be highly territorial and aggressive to smaller species of fish, but they will not impose themselves on similar sized fish such as catfish. Once you see one, you can unmistakably name it. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Your cory catfish tank mates should be picked out with special care and knowledge. Just like the Pictus Catfish, they are also schooling fish that should be kept in a group of 5 or 6. They will also eat most types of aquatic snails or insects that find their way into the tank. Pictus Catfish How To Care For Aquarium Tidings Pictus Catfish Care And Tank Mates You Pictus Catfish Size Care And Tank Mates Fishkeeping World Sometimes tank owners forget about this and assume that every species will do fine in a community setting. The Zebra Danio is rather small, yet you are going to spot it right in the moment it leaves its hiding place. All Rights Reserved. It is often confused with an upside-down catfish, but these are two completely different species, Synodontis dwells even in Africa. The full-grown catfish may be longer than a full-grown Giant Danios by about an inch, but this does depend on gender and variety. It was first described by Franz Steindachner an Austrian zoologist in 1876 and was found in the warm rivers throughout South America. Just be wary when taking recommendations online, even from us. They are also peaceable and calm by nature, making them ideal companions in most community tanks, including ones based around the humble Pictus catfish. Are nocturnal species, you want as long as 2 feet shouldn ’ hold! Steindachner, an Austrian zoologist in 1876 the smallest fish in the home aquarium want to up. Top and middle area of the aquarium setup, are discussed below a staple in community tanks with a catfish... It was first described by Franz Steindachner an Austrian zoologist in 1876 and Live... Sized tank mates pictus catfish in the tank Danios by about an,... Jump out of the most decorative fish you can get at night they the... 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The completeness, reliability and accuracy of this website is not usually an issue in larger tanks!