Pictus Catfish

[sic0198]

Pimelodus pictus

I want to get a few of these some day, can they be kept in a 20 gallon? I'm thinking they need to be in groups, so I'm going to nee five or so together, right?

 

[Breeze7050]

20 gallon won't be big enough as they enjoy swimming around on the bottom of the tank. I believe you need at least a 4' footprint for them. Groups are debatable as once they get older they just tend to fight for caves and hiding spot. You could do a trio of 3. I myself have 2 and they are never with each other, they just fight over who gets the better cave. Also, keep in mind they are nocturnal so you won't see them out a whole lot during the day. But, they are still pretty cool!!

 

[stang1]

We have 3 in a 42g and they are fine together. They all have their own hiding places but they do come out a fair bit in the day to play. Beautiful fish and they are fun to watch.

 

[sic0198]

Do you think I could get by with a 30 gallon?

 

[sharkbaitwoohaha]

i looooove these fishes. need plenty room. i have one in a 30g til i can make more caves cos i dont want any squabbles. he seems perfectly ok on his own but they look class in groups.

 

[sic0198]

These are pretty cool IMO. I have always wanted a few. I was reading a convict and a pleco can be added with them. So this may be a future stocking list for me. I want a south americam themed tank. Now if I only had a 55 or a 75 gallon fish tank.