Feeding My Pictus Catfish

[JoeyWoodall]

I went to my lfs today and bought a pictus catfish to go with my assorted gouramis and other fish but was wondering if anyone could help me on what to feed it, I have bought some frozen bloodworm but I'm worried that my other fish will get to it first. Would it be possible to feed him anything bigger that my other fish cant get in their mouths such as prawns or small pieces of meat?
I really want him to thrive in my tank.
Thanks, Joey

 

[bae1994]

Hi what size is he I have a pimelodella blochi and it loves sinking pellets not algea ones tho catfish ones

 

[JoeyWoodall]

He's about 2.5 inches. I was told he would grow to around 6-7 inches? How much truth is in this? How big are the pellets? Do they only come out at night? At the moment my boy has been hiding since I got him back.
Thanks for the reply

 

[bae1994]

Yeah that seems about rite size I know mine (not the same but similar) would come out for food but not really anymore when the lights are on, but my lights have been broke for a few weeks now and it's out constantly so yeah he probably will be out at night more so I'd suggest feeding once the lights are out There are a lot of pellet sizes so I'd have a look in your lfs for some

 

[JoeyWoodall]

Is there anything I can give him until I get the pellets? I've read a lot about prawns, beef heart and things like that? Is there any truth in this?

 

[bae1994]

Id give the bloodworms a go prawns are good (as long as there raw if they've been cooked there's not much nutrients in them) but I'd go for blood worms first

Also I wouldn't bother with the beef heart it can be used with discus and others but it's not really worth it with fish like these IMO

 

[JoeyWoodall]

With the frozen blood worm, do I defrost the block first? Or put it straight in? Also do I put a whole block in? God I need help

 

[bae1994]

Defrost the block then pour it on a paper towel so the waters drained (so it doesn't contaminate your water) also what size tank and what fish are in it ? ( thats what decides how much)

 

[JoeyWoodall]

I've got a rio 180 with 3 opaline gourami, 3 pearl gourami, 3 large congo tetra, a bristle nose catfish, a clown loach and a blue ram. Oh and of course the pictus

 

[bae1994]

Well I'd say try half a block

Also I'd add 3 more Congo tetras as they need to be in a shoal really also rehome the clown loach as they get to 1ft and need to be in a group of 6 And need a 6ftx2ftx2ft minimum

 

[JoeyWoodall]

I have out in the frozen blood worms and it seems that my other fish are eating them before my catfish gets to them, he has come out of his hiding place immediately since the light went out, but I'm worried there's no food left for him in the tank? What do I do?

 

[ultimatebob]

i wouldn't worry about a pim cat. they are ultimate feeders and thier very long barbels are proof of that. these fish are like one of the ultimate quicker-picker-uppers as far as cats are concerned. there should be no problem with feeding it. but beware, they are likely the first to get ich, and the first to gobble up other fish like a blue ram.

 

[JoeyWoodall]

Oh that's made w feel a little bit better. He actually came out earlier and tried to eat some flake, which is quite cool to watch. He's having frozen bloodworm at the moment but I have got some sinking catfish pellets for him which are being delivered tomorrow or Thursday I'll keep you all updated

 

[Liam50]

chopped prawn is a suitable snack.

 

[JoeyWoodall]

When you say chopped prawn, do you mean raw prawns from the supermarket? Or do you buy chopped prawn from your lfs? Thanks for the post by the way.