Crrraaazzzzy Pitcus Behavior

[Fawke]

Hi there,

I have a Pictus that seems to really enjoy swimming around a plant (12" tall) length ways - so swimming around it from bottom to top. Occasionally playing around the filter inlet (external filter).....

He will occasionally scout around the bottom and chase his reflection in the tank be it bottom, middle or top!

Just checking that this is normal, and to ask whether i should get him a tank mate or 2 (another pictus) to occupy him a bit.....

He is feeding fine and seems very happy - good condition as well....

Thanks

 

[CFC]

Pictus catfish should be kept in a group of at least 3 to get their natural behaviour, they should loosely shoal at the bottom of the tank occasionally darting about looking for food. If you are going to get more then get at least two more as if they are kept just as pairs one fish will become dominant and pick on the other, the larger the group you can have the better.

 

[Fawke]

Thanks for that, good to know.....

I will deffinately get 2 more anyhow, as i heard to get 1 or 3 as a minimum...
Do you think this would explain why he is acting strangly?

Also, i do love pictus, how many do you recommend in my tank tho, as a maximum. Bearing in mind i would also be looking at some more fish in the future?

Thanks again

 

[CFC]

I wouldnt go with any more than 3 pictus cats in your 35g, while they do shoal they are also teritorial so each one needs to be able to have its own little space.

It would certainly explain any strange behaviour, shoaling fish that are kept alone often are restless and will constantly cruise around the tank and up and down the glass.

 

[Fawke]

Thanks, you are a * star......
I will add 2 new pictus as soon as some come my way......

What a wondeful job you ppl do....