Pim Pictus Catfish

[m00ms]

hi all,
 
i am in the process of changing from a 120lt tank to a 200 lt and looking at what new fish i like and i am drawn to pim pictus cats.
 
can anyone share any advice or tips on them as i have few doubts on them.
 
is 200 lt big enough for them and is there over active nature to much for certain fish as i can imagine them to be too over powering.
 
my current 125lt has 2 bristle noses,2 bolivian rams,3 cory cats,2 panda garra and 5 bloodfin tetras which i understand will not be good as pims will possibly eat them.
 
 

 

[laurac94]

They need be kept in groups to be happy, to be happy they also need lots of hiding places.
I keep mine with various fish including neon tetras that havent been harmed, I keep them well fed with cat fish pellets next to their hiding places.

Also they are nocturnal so except from feeding time don't expect to see them much however along with my Bolivian rams they are my favourite fish in my tank

 

[m00ms]

o i was not aware they are nocturnal,every time i have seen them in shops they have been buzzing around all over the place which is why i have been drawn to them.
 
how many have you got in your tank? also like bolivians as they seam so intrested in the world outside the tank!!

 

[laurac94]

I've got 3 because my tank isn't really big enough to house more but I would love to! They tend to zip around in fish shops because they are in tiny tanks with far too many fish (that's what happens in my lfs anyway) they are active fish in the evening and at feeding time. Also ask your lfs which type of pictus they have, although mine are useless, because there are 2 types, one that stays around 5inches and the other which grows to 8inches, its a big difference in a small tank D

I have 2 Bolivian rams and they are pretty much the only fish that dont move away from the front of the glass when I peer over, they are lovely, mine are coming through with their yellow and blue tinges now they are bigger, that just makes them more lovely

 

[MBOU]

Personally, I would say they would need more space but it could be worked if they were the feature fish but they will eat most of what you have currently...
 
Well, the tetras guaranteed but they will have a good go at garra and cories too. Have seen pictus eat fully grown platies...

 

[m00ms]

you bolivian looks lovely,sadly one of mine is not well at the moment as i had a massive ammonia spike and lost lots of fish including  a L141 pleco which was about 2 years old and was stunning.
 
the reason for the 200 lt upgrade was in mind but doing it now as i lost interest after the ammonia spike.
 
just got to get mr bolivian well as i have had the pair from very very small and it sad to see him not well so fingers crossed for him.
 
if pictus is going to eat my current stock then think i will pass on them as i have my sights set on a green phantom pleco,just hope i can get tank set up and cycled before shop sells out.
 
thanks for advise on pim pictus