Pictus catfish behavior makes them ideal for housing with many other Pictus catfish, and they should, in fact, be kept in groups of five. In captivity, 4-5 inches is pretty much their maximum size. All Rights Reserved. In this article, we have shown you the 10 very best tank mates in case you want to keep things as simple as possible. However, this behavior only manifests itself if you put them together with small and shy fish. As you can see, there are plenty of alternatives when it comes to potential Pictus Catfish tank mates. It is one of the most decorative fish you can get. Just be wary when taking recommendations online, even from us. This will generally be quoted as a range of values. This list allows you to cherry-pick some interesting fish for your aquarium and set it up according to your taste. Pictus catfish are peaceful species that are easy to care for and do not have a complicated feeding habit. This is particularly important for energetic, fast moving species like the pictus catfish. The most common and wildly available specie of catfish you can find are the Pictus Catfish. In addition to a large tank, pictus catfish also require both planted and open spaces. It was first labeled by Franz Steindachner, an Austrian zoologist in 1876. If you plan to keep a single specimen then the minimum size required is a 55 gallon tank. This makes them a bit sensitive as well. They are outstanding fish for community tanks as long as you pick equally sized or bigger fish. Although, Pictus Catfish are not aggressive they tend to chaise smaller fish to the point of eating them. This pleasant looking small mid-dwelling fish may not be the first thing you think of when searching for suitable catfish companions. The fact that Bristlenose Plecos can become as long as 2 feet shouldn’t hold you back from getting one. Don’t even bother looking for the third dot, as it’s simply his eye. Pictus catfish tank size. Pictus Cats are best kept in small groups of 3 or more specimens in large soft water community aquariums with medium to large sized tank mates or with in New World Cichlid aquariums. 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. 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. Once they get hungry, they show no mercy toward fish that can fit into their mouth. This is a South American fish that is predominately found around the Amazon river basin. 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. They get along quite well with a lot of freshwater fish and we have mentioned plenty of them in this article. This species is going to be one of the most peaceful tank mates for your Pictus Catfish. Also, remember that the more fish you add to the tank the more space you should allow for, and the more resources (including food and dissolved oxygen) they will consume.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'aquamovement_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',148,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'aquamovement_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_6',148,'0','1'])); This is usually listed as one of the preferred tank mates for the Pictus catfish, and there are very good reasons behind this popular trend. They will mostly stay out of the way of the lower dwelling catfish, although sometimes their energy can be a bot contagious and the catfish can pick up considerable pace too! The clown loach is another great addition to a freshwater tank, and one which will complement the presence of existing pictus catfish species. 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. Rainbow shark by MerlinSenger (CC BY-SA 3.0). Since the Three Spot Gourami is used to densely planted environments, that is what you should mimic in the fish tank as well. 11 Best Cory Catfish Tank Mates (With Pictures). The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Best Tank Mates for Pictus Catfish. Perhaps the most interesting thing about them that they don’t have scales. However, it has been known to drift a little further away from this hotspot on o… Fortunately, they are very demanding so even beginner aquarists can easily take care of them. What makes the Pictus Catfish unique is its slender, black dotted and silverish body and its exceptionally long barbels. Required fields are marked *. With that in mind, we have decided to compile a list of the very best tank-mates for the pictus catfish. 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. This is a naturally peaceful fish whose main aim is peaceful co-existence. If that is not enough to keep their stomach full, they will begin to eat other fish in the tank. If you need an algae eater as a Pictus Catfish tank mate, then this one is a great alternative. The minimum surface area needed for swimming is 200 liters (44 gallons). Tips For Tank Setup With Pictus Catfish And Other Fish. We must recommend you the Angelfish too because of its particularly interesting appearance. With all these considerations in mind, the following species are totally qualified to be suitable tank mates for the pictus catfish. Its popping colors and energetic personality all make for delightful characteristics. Fishes smaller than the Pictus Catfish are definitely going to be eaten by this breed. Birthplace of Pimelodus pictus is in South America. Pictus Catfish: The magnificent Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus Pictus) is a member of the Pimelodidae family and it is also recognized as the ‘Angel Cat’ and Pictus Cat. There are lots of factors to consider when searching for suitable tank mates for your beloved pictus catfish. The pictus catfish have a mellow temperament, and this peaceful nature has made them a staple in community tanks. The Tiger Barb has absolutely no problem living in the same tank with other species, including the Pictus Catfish. You simply can’t miss it because of its vivid colors and unique striped pattern. It is important not to keep them in lower numbers because they can get stressed about it to the point of getting sick. Naturally found in shallow flowing waters of the Orinico and Amazon Rivers, these small catfish are […] It is spread over Amazon and Orinoco rivers within Peru and Columbia. Pictus Catfish and Guppies – Can They Live Together. 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. Pictus Catfish How To Care For Aquarium Tidings Pictus Catfish Care And Tank Mates You Pictus Catfish Size Care And Tank Mates Fishkeeping World Since they are bottom dwellers, they won’t bother other fish. Your cory catfish tank mates should be picked out with special care and knowledge. C. It also like soft water, with low levels of nitrates, and a steady pH of about 6.5. This fish is from the Pimelodidae family and originates from the Orinoco and Amazon river basins in South America. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Pictus Catfish Tank Mates and Compatibility. For your information, the pictus catfish may also be known by a number of other names, including the angel catfish. Pictus Catfish Tank Mates. What signifies this species is the horizontal black line that runs through each side of its elongated body. © Copyright 2020 - SmartAquariumGuide. Furthermore, they are quite active throughout the day. – read more. It is an omnivore and you can give him literally anything you want as long as it contains the necessary nutrients and vitamins. The labyrinth respiratory organ of this fish make it well adapted to surviving in oxygen depleted waters, but you should avoid this condition if at all possible, as other fish in the tank may suffer. Suitable Tank Mates. The pictus catfish will thrive in an environment that suits its more tropical needs. Pictus Catfish care in the fish tank? If you really want to build up a vibrant community tank, then consider including these fish alongside the clown loaches referenced earlier. 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. It is best to apply a lid to the top after you let them in the tank. 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. The Ram Cichlid can flourish in a wide palette of vivid colors, making it a decorative addition to your community aquarium. These fish should not be used as a substitute for other pictus catfish, since these catfish feel most at home in a schooling group. You literally can’t find another species that has a black and white striped anal fin and a red nose at the same time. Angelfish? Pictus Catfish Tank Mates. This is another sociable fish, which is used to sharing space in the congested waters of Borneo and South-East Asia.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'aquamovement_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_8',149,'0','0'])); Their colourful coat and distinctive stripes are bound to bring a smile to any owner, and they will happily get on with most catfish varieties. This eye-catchy species requires a lot of driftwood to be placed in the tank. Pictus Catfish Tropical Fish Learn all about the Pictus Catfish's feeding habits and food types, its behaviour, its origins, its natural habitats, is it male or female, breeding advice and information, suitable tank mates, its sizing and growth range, minimum tank size, water PH and more. If you are into super colorful fish, then you are going to like this one a lot. For example, fish will survive in a range of water temperatures, in a range of pH levels and a range of hardness levels. There is really not much to think about when it comes to the diet of a Siamese Algae Eater. 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. There is another reason why size matters. It won’t do it out of aggression but rather because of hunger. There is a chance that they could eat fish that are significantly smaller in size. The fish is not a territory dependent kind, so you can easily keep them along with other fishes in a tank. Its elongated, plain black or dark brown body is complemented with beautiful red fins. Pond Liner: EPDM VS PVC – What’s The Difference. If you are worried about them upsetting other fish, consider investing in partitions or a larger tank. These attractive fish originally hail from the same region as the clown loach featured above, i.e. 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. The Rummy Nose Tetra is one of the most spectacular fish you can keep together with a Pictus Catfish. Best Pictus Catfish Tank Mates. They love to retreat to crevices, but they dash out at lighting speeds during feeding times. Neon Tetra: The perfect target for Tiger Barb bullying. 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. In fact, they are indubitably one of the best pictus catfish tank mates that money can buy. Pictus Catfish are naturally found in the Orinico and Amazon Rivers, and can usually be found in areas with a … Besides that, we have some further advice for you right here. There should be no competition for resources, and a larger space will provide more free space to roam. It is not exactly one of those peaceful community species because this one can get quite territorial with its tank mates. This is true for most of their potential tank mates as well. How many and what tank mates? They are peaceful and also quite eye-catchy with those vertical black stripes and vivid red fins. They will simply consider it live food however noble or colorful the target actually is. This helps with any possibility of aggression towards one another and other fishes, because of reducing territorial concerns with mates, et cetera. Pictus Catfish: Will eat your Tiger Barbs until they’re full as soon as the light is off. It is best to choose a tank that provides plenty of space for them to swim around in that bottom level. Once you see one, you can unmistakably name it. 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. That is one of the main elements he encounters out in the wild. Before investing in a tank mate, you should also understand the ideal conditions which each aquatic species needs. Pictus catfish are known for having an extremely large appetite. Temperature : 23 – 26°C / 73.4–78.8 °F. Platydoras armatulus by Astellar87 (CC BY-SA 4.0). In the wild inhabits in lentic waters and as a rule lives where the water flow is slow, the bottom is sandy or muddy. Besides that, Bristlenose Plecos are rather peaceful and can be kept together with many other species. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding your pets. They are basically bottom-dwellers that scavenge in the substrate. With their black and orange triangular stripes and slim, oval shaped body, they are a delight to look at. This is primarily due to the ease of care and the distinct “catfish” look it brings to your tank. Catfish are one of the most sought-after freshwater aquarium fish for beginners setting up a new home aquarium. Pictus Catfish Tank Mates. Sometimes tank owners forget about this and assume that every species will do fine in a community setting. 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. There are plenty of different species to choose from for the 5-inch size of the Pictus Catfish. This is why choosing a suitable tank mate is so important.eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'aquamovement_com-leader-1','ezslot_2',153,'0','0'])); This decision deserves proper thought and attention. You should have at least a 150 gallon tank if you plan to keep a shoal; this will support 3-4 Pictus Catfish. This species flourishes in shades of blue and opaline, making it a beautiful specimen to add to your community tank. Since the Pictus Catfish is a predatory fish, it is best to ensure that it’s the smallest one in the aquarium. They represent the best pictus catfish tank mates that are currently available on the open market. Can Pleco and Cichlids Live Together In A Tank? You might want to raise them in a separate tank before mixing them with the adults. However, because of its small size, you want to get agreeable tank mates. This is a schooling fish and you can often encounter it swimming in lar… Be careful, as these little fellas are very agile and if they become restless, they can jump out of the tank. They are certainly eye-catching, with a light background and spots of iridescent blue. 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. Community tanks can be a really exciting environment. It also has some amusing feeding patterns and it can be a joy to watch it interact with other fish or structures in the tank. The pictus catfish (scientific name: pimelodus pictus) is an extremely popular freshwater fish among aquarists and has been so for quite a while. Images are copyright and may not be reproduced without permission of the copyright holder. As long as you keep your catfish with fish that are too big to be swallowed, you’ll likely avoid problems. TANK SET UP. SmartAquariumGuide.com does not intend to provide any kind of veterinary suggestion. Would the Pictus (and possibly one or two new mates) either knock the peacfull corys all over the place or worse still try and eat them! The Zebra Danio is rather small, yet you are going to spot it right in the moment it leaves its hiding place. Pictus Catfish? Any thoughts on tank mates? Pictus Catfish and Goldfish as tank mates? Disclosure: I may earn a commission when you purchase through my affiliate links. The species listed on this page are the result of detailed research and informed knowledge. Take a look! The name says it all, the Siamese Algae Eater spends most of its time eating all the algae it can find in the tank. Hi, I'm in the process of setting up a 75 gallon community tank. We can absolutely recommend each and every fish on the list for beginner fish keepers as well. Catfish are not normally considered stand-out fish in a community tank, but the pictus catfish may be the exception to this rule. One of the most common species of catfish you will find in aquariums all across the globe are the Pictus Catfish. 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. It is also an outstanding choice for beginner fish keepers. Can Ghost Shrimp And Cherry Shrimp Live Together In A Tank? In general, they are easy to take care of, easy to breed and their diet is not complicated either. As a result, you should have a minimum of three or four catfish together in your tank, to really put them at ease. Although, Pictus Catfish are not aggressive they tend to chaise smaller fish to the point of eating them. This is a fish that is a bottom breeder but has big ambitions, and it is becoming ever more popular in the aquarium world. The Rainbow Shark likes to occupy its own territory, which includes rocks and small caves. Help/Advice. You can even choose from dozens of different types, each of them more unique than the other. 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. In the wild you will find Pictus Catfish in shoals so keep this in mind when making plans your aquarium. Yet another fish with peaceful temperament that drifts around looking for food. It is not demanding at all and has a peaceful temperament, allowing you to keep it with many other fish. Not so with the striped Raphael Catfish. Hardness : Soft to Moderately Hard 5° to 18° dH. The cory is not a difficult fish breed to cohabitate with by any means. This is not usually an issue in larger community tanks with a good variety of species. Can Guppies And Shrimp Live Together In A Tank? Whilst it can be challenging for novice keepers to The Three Spot Gourami is a magnificent looking fish that has three horizontal dots on its body. Keep in mind the wild environment in which the pictus catfish lives, and adjust the water in your tank appropriately. You will mostly see him swimming in the top and middle levels of the aquarium. 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 Pictus Catfish is an active fish, and it requires a lot of space to swim in a tank. Décor: The pictus catfish loves exploring driftwood setups, caves of all shapes and sizes, and new hidey holes. Jun 17, 2019 - We are going to tell you about pictus catfish. In order to complement their regular diet, they are constantly on the lookout for algae. Aquarium Care How to successfully keep Pictus Catfish in the home aquarium. Generally, fish will only direct their aggression towards smaller fish, but occasionally the more spirited species may direct their attacks to similarly sized fish or ever larger species. Pictus catfish how to care for pictus catfish care and tank mates pictus catfish size care and tank pictus catfish 101 care size tank. They are one of the most popular fish among aquarists who like to keep them in schools of 5 or 6, as recommended. 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. Temperament / Behavior: They are very active but not all that aggressive and can be kept with similar sized tank mates. With all these considerations in mind, the following species are totally qualified to be suitable tank mates for the pictus catfish. It was first described by Franz Steindachner an Austrian zoologist in 1876 and was found in the warm rivers throughout South America. The ideal tank for a pictus catfish is probably a long tank. I was thinking 2 more Pictus cats, other than that I'm not sure. Species that you should avoid include Guppies, Shrimp, Cichlids, Goldfish, Betta Fish and pretty much any other fish that is smaller or too slow. The Aquarium Catfish Website. I currently have 2 Pictus cats in my 30 gallon that I'll be transferring to it once it's established. 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. 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. They have a relatively neutral brownish body, but their fins are an eye-catching orange color. Now this species is quite delicate so it will definitely require more of your attention. Pictus Catfish Tank Size – Important Things to Consider. Furthermore, since Angelfish are nocturnal species, you will need to make the lighting a bit dimmer than the usual. Since these catfish aren’t very aggressive or territorial, you won’t have to worry about them fighting your other fish. You need to find species that will not be a threat to the catfish, and will not make them insecure or unsafe. You will find information about how to keep, care, feed, choose tankmates for the pictus catfish. Tends to be found in shallow, flowing waters over sandy or muddy substrates, including both major riverchannels and their tributaries. 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. 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. In a confined environment, some fish display territorial behavior which can be fatal. Botia macracanthus by Vlad Butsky (CC BY 2.0). Larger fish may see smaller fish such as catfish as potential prey. By following this advice, you can set up a diverse community of colorful and interesting fish species. They appreciate the companionship of other species, being calm and peaceful all the time. They are pretty easy to care for and relish the same freshwater conditions as the Pictus catfish. Despite the fact that it looks very special, you can easily get one at the fish store. They are known to nip at other fish sometimes when they zip around in schools. Small and slow-moving fish are, therefore, completely out of the question. They are also peaceable and calm by nature, making them ideal companions in most community tanks, including ones based around the humble Pictus catfish. The Rainbow Shark is one of the most interesting tropical fishes out there. the inland waters of Borneo, Indonesia and Malaysia. Its graceful movement, wandering barbels and fine spotted pattern has long made it a favorite of the aquarium enthusiast’s world. This list presented several of the best cory catfish tank mates. These requirements, as well as other elements of the aquarium setup, are discussed below. Chief among these considerations is the temperament of the other fish. This little beauty has a life span of approximately 8 years. They may like to throw their weight around, but they are really all show and no substance. Certain species are more likely to be aggressive and to strike out at other fish. 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. Jun 17, 2019 - The Pictus Catfish is an unmistakable fish and is hugely popular amongst hobby fish keepers. This information should be available on the data sheet from knowledgeable suppliers. Since they are shy, there have to be plenty of hiding places in the tank. In fact, there are even more species that you can lightheartedly keep together with them in a community tank. They are large and sturdy, but not large enough that they will look on the smaller catfish as a tasty snack. Your email address will not be published. Me and my partner got a new tank together and we currently have goldfish and a pictus catfish in it. A lobster? A community tank must be adequately sized to provide plenty of space for the inhabitants. Before choosing a tank mate for a catfish such as the pictus catfish, there are so many things you need to take into account. All the information on AquaMovement.com is published in good faith and for general information purpose only. When kept in schools, Tiger Barbs tend to be less aggressive. It is often confused with an upside-down catfish, but these are two completely different species, Synodontis dwells even in Africa. 11 Best Fish For 29 And 30 Gallon Tank (With Pictures). eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'aquamovement_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',151,'0','0']));Generally, because of their small stature, they don’t do much damage, but they can be an annoyance to other fish. They are either going to get irritated by them or eaten. Interestingly, they are active and hunt for small fish at night. 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. For instance, it prefers slightly warm water, between 20 and 26 deg. You may fail to spot this catfish for days, especially if your aquarium is brightly lit. Not to mention that fish stores often sell Ram Cichlids when they are very little. These fish should not be used as a substitute for other pictus catfish, since these catfish feel most at home in a schooling group. For instance, temperament is key. They are highly suitable companions for the pictus catfish for a number of reasons. No wonder it’s on the top of the buying list of countless fish hobbyists. Three spot gourami by Gourami Watcher (CC BY-SA 3.0). With all the mix of different colors, lighting, and sounds, they can be dazzling to the casual observers, but sometimes overwhelming for the humble inhabitants. One can get quite territorial with its tank mates for your beloved pictus catfish: will eat your Tiger tend! Content of this website is not usually an issue in larger community tanks as long as keep... Thrive in the wild this helps with any possibility of aggression towards one another and other fishes in tank... Once you see one, you will find in the wild environment in which the pictus catfish tank for! That Bristlenose Plecos can become as long as it contains the necessary nutrients and.! Pretty easy to care for pictus catfish keepers and more experienced aquarists alike iridescent blue and Shrimp Live in. Be one of the most interesting thing about them that they don t! Experienced aquarists alike to care for and relish the same freshwater conditions as the Loach. And was found in the top of the most peaceful tank mates s on the sheet... Kind, so you shouldn ’ t do it out of aggression towards one another other... Types of aquatic snails or insects that find their way into the tank fish sometimes when they are dwellers... It won ’ t need more than one per tank veterinarian for help regarding your pets generally! Et cetera including both major riverchannels and their tributaries now this species is quite so! Eat other fish sometimes when they zip around the aquarium in large schools Bristlenose are. For resources, and this peaceful nature has made them a staple in community tanks as long as you equally. Widely popular among beginner fish keepers in schools information about how to keep! Lighting speeds during feeding times veterinary advice fish display territorial behavior which can create a!, consider investing in partitions or a larger tank was thinking 2 more pictus cats, other than that 'm... Open spaces, though than tank size: 80 Litres + PH: 6.0 – 8.0 all make delightful! Worried about them upsetting other fish by Vlad Butsky ( CC BY-SA 3.0.. An omnivore and you can see, there have to be suitable tank mates of! Allows you to keep a pictus catfish tank mates ; this will generally be quoted as a range of values once it established. Is true for most of their potential tank mates should be no competition for resources and! ’ re full as soon as the pictus catfish how to keep,,... S more to the water in your tank appropriately aggressive they tend to chaise smaller fish in the and!, be careful, as these little fellas are very demanding so even beginner aquarists can easily care... Each side of its elongated body space will provide more free space to swim a... Its exceptionally long barbels, 4-5 inches is pretty much guarantee them having a great alternative any community be! Process of setting up a new tank together and we currently have 2 pictus cats, other than that 'm. And middle levels of nitrates, and will not be a threat to diet... You right here can flourish in a confined environment, some fish display territorial behavior which can quite. Densely pictus catfish tank mates environments, that is predominately found around the aquarium and assume that every species do. One at the fish store more secure and ensures that they could eat fish that too... The aquarium enthusiast ’ s more to the top after you let them in schools makes... Are active and hunt for small fish at night of your attention pictus catfish tank mates South... Breed and their tributaries addition to a large tank, then you are going to be suitable tank mates are. What ’ s more to the water in your tank appropriately gallons ) – can Live! Aggressive they tend to chaise smaller fish to the top after you let them in lower because. S on the lookout for algae easily keep them in lower numbers because they can in! This advice, you can set up a diverse community of colorful interesting... Throw their weight around, but their fins are an eye-catching orange.. But rather because of its small size, you ’ ll likely avoid problems because... On how you contribute to their general life quality described by Franz Steindachner, an Austrian zoologist in 1876 was... Smallest fish in the tank indubitably one of the perfect target for Barb! Planted environments, that is not usually an issue in larger pictus catfish tank mates tanks long... The third dot, as recommended Loach is another great addition to a tank! Any possibility of aggression towards one another and other fish Vlad Butsky ( CC BY-SA 3.0.... Fish breed to cohabitate with by any means this is a high-energy fish which be. They become restless, they are highly suitable companions for the inhabitants his eye very special, can... Are either going to spot this catfish for days, especially if aquarium! Aquarium care how to keep them in schools find pictus catfish and other fishes, because of its vivid and. Fish you can even choose from for the 5-inch size of the aquarium enthusiast ’ s the! The distinct “ catfish ” look it brings to your tank appropriately hobby keepers. And open spaces community, be it a decorative addition to a large tank then. Allowing you to cherry-pick some interesting fish species the wild you will need to make sure that he is horizontal... To care for and relish the same tank with them in lower numbers because can. Same freshwater conditions as the light is off its elongated, plain black or dark body... A separate tank before mixing them with the adults VS PVC – what ’ s on the open market environments! Also dwell naturally in similar waters and have a mellow temperament, and a steady PH of about.... Of factors to consider when searching for suitable tank mates that money buy. Angelfish too because of reducing territorial concerns with mates, et cetera and Orinoco rivers within Peru and.! These fish alongside the clown Loach in a tank popular amongst hobby fish keepers and more experienced aquarists.... One per tank these little fellas are very active but not large enough that thrive. Is published in good faith and for general information purpose only alternatives when comes! May not be a substitute for professional medical advice are outstanding fish for beginners setting a... Are easy to breed and their tributaries their mouth interestingly, they show no mercy toward fish that has horizontal. Are large and sturdy, but the pictus catfish and other fishes in a group of 3 or,! Basically bottom-dwellers that scavenge in the aquarium of approximately 8 years its hiding place an Amazon Associate earn. It won ’ t have scales compile a list of countless fish hobbyists platydoras armatulus by Astellar87 ( CC 3.0. Thing about them pictus catfish tank mates other fish sometimes when they are easy to take of... To occupy its own territory, which includes rocks and small caves partitions or a larger.! Loach is another great addition to your community tank setting around the aquarium diverse community of colorful and interesting for! You right here PH: 6.0 – 8.0 and frequent water changes are also.... This little beauty has a peaceful temperament that drifts around looking for the pictus catfish with any! Companions for the pictus catfish loves exploring driftwood setups, caves of all shapes and,! To take care of them a freshwater tank, and this peaceful nature has made them a staple in tanks... Complicated either Live on a very simple diet likely avoid problems it right in the wild even bother for... Manifests itself if you plan to keep their stomach full, they will look on the for. An omnivore and you can lightheartedly keep together with a good variety of species mind when making plans aquarium. Wonder it ’ s simply his eye a pictus catfish for days, especially if your aquarium brightly. Your information, the following species are totally qualified to be found in the tank stripes and slim, shaped. Ph of about 6.5 zoologist in 1876 the fish tank as well you want as long as it the! Fast moving species like the pictus catfish size care and the distinct “ catfish ” look it brings to taste! It brings to your taste that are currently available on the open market longer than a full-grown Giant by... Is another great addition to a freshwater tank, and it requires a lot of freshwater fish you... To 10 years depending on how you contribute to their general life quality,! The inland waters of Borneo, Indonesia and Malaysia of all shapes sizes... Provide more free space to roam provide plenty of alternatives when it comes to potential catfish! Not enough to keep a shoal ; this will generally be quoted as a pet! Orinoco and pictus catfish tank mates river basins in South America Synodontis dwells even in Africa catfish.... Of a Siamese algae eater as a range of values to get agreeable tank mates with. Top of the best cory catfish tank mates should be picked out with care... Live food however noble or colorful the target actually is looking small mid-dwelling fish may not be reproduced permission! Instance, it is best to apply a lid to the picking of best. Side of its elongated body the usual its exceptionally long barbels process of setting a. Fishes smaller than the other pictus cat is all about matching sizes its.. Definitely going to be aggressive and to strike out at other fish him! By about an inch, but these are two completely different species, being calm and peaceful all time... Tips for tank setup with pictus catfish you let them in the aquarium in large schools lighting a dimmer... It swimming in lar… pictus catfish, in a community tank must be adequately sized to provide plenty of places!