Pictus Catfish

Pimelodus pictus

Synonyms Pim pictus · Angelicus pim

Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) is a semi-aggressive freshwater fish that reaches about 12 cm (4.7 in) and swims along the bottom in a shoal. It wants 72–77°F (22–25°C) and pH 5.8–6.8, is kept in groups of 6 or more, and needs a tank of at least 243 L (64 gal).

At a glance

Type	Fish
Adult size	12 cm (4.7 in)
Minimum tank	243 L (64 gal)
Group size	6 or more
Temperature	72–77°F (22–25°C)
pH	5.8–6.8
Temperament	Semi-aggressive
Lifespan	8–10 years
Eats shrimp	Yes

Before it goes in

Pictus Catfish needs at least 243 L (64 gal). The smallest size in this library that clears that is the 120P.
Keep 6 or more. Below that it hides, colours down and is far more likely to be picked on.
It eats small fish and shrimp — anything under about 4 cm (1.6 in). In this library that means Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp and White Cloud Minnow.
It holds at 72–77°F (22–25°C). That shares a window with Betta and Cherry Shrimp, but not with German Blue Ram and Discus.
It is semi-aggressive — plan the tank around it rather than adding it to a finished community.
A group of 6 takes up roughly 58% of what a 120P will comfortably hold, so plan the rest of the stock around it.

What tank size does it need?

At least 243 L (64 gal). The smallest size here that clears it is the 120P.

How many should I keep?

6 or more. Fewer than that and it spends its time hiding instead of out in the open.

Will it eat shrimp?

Yes. Shrimp are food to it, so pick one or the other.

What water does it want?

72–77°F (22–25°C), pH 5.8–6.8.

How long does it live?

8–10 years in a tank that suits it. That is how long you are signing up for.

Good tank mates

Tank mates from this library that share its temperature window, are peaceful and eat neither it nor its young: Goldfish, Bristlenose Pleco, Celestial Pearl Danio, Molly and Otocinclus.
Plants that hold up with it: Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis', Water Sprite, Anubias nana 'Petite' and Cryptocoryne wendtii.

Often compared with

	Pictus Catfish	Upside-down Catfish	Glass Catfish
Adult size	12 cm	10 cm	6.5 cm
Min tank	243 L	70 L	81 L
Group	6+	3+	6+
Temperature	72–77°F (22–25°C)	75–82°F (24–28°C)	68–79°F (20–26°C)
Eats shrimp	Yes	Yes	Shrimplets only

More livestock

Plan a tank with Pictus Catfish →

Sources (4) · checked Sep 2026