Pictus Catfish

[Ali1]

can anyone share some information about pictus catfishes and their care? i just bought a pictus catfish with a jack dempsey in a 20gallon. Those are the only ones in the tank right now

 

[StarOrbs]

Pictus really do better in groups in my opinion. I had 3 of them but sadly I lost them to ICH. They are really cool fish. Sinking pellets in my experience they seem to really like hehe.

 

[Fat Boy]

I recently bought 2 of these guys ( I will be getting another 1 or 2 soon ), and I must agree with Starorbs they are very cool fish and do prefer to be in groups, but, your 20 gallon is only big enough for the 1. Mine are very active and like a lot of free swimming space, saying that I have read they can do ok in singles so I'd say see how it goes. One HUGE no-no is don't add any fish smaller than 3" to your tank as when your pictus is fully grown these will become lunch for him. This WEB PAGE will give you some info on how to care for him. HTH.

 

[andywg]

CFC's profile is good too.

I woul not recommend keeping just one at all. It is a gregarious species that likes to have company. Some people will say their's is ok on its own, but some people will say that about neon tetras. Doesn't mean it should be done. A group of 3 minimum, though the more the better.

There is nothing finer than watching them fly from all over the tank to hunt down bloodworms though. A fantastic fish, just be sure the tank has enough of a foot print to give them all territories.

I had one problem when my community was still in a 4' x 1' in that the Rainbow Shark decided that it would take up half the tank, meaning the 4 Pictus (at the time around 2-3 inches) only had 2' x 1' left to form territories. This led to a number of fights - and their accelerated introduction to the 6foot community.

HIH

Andy