Pictus catfish

Pimelodus pictus

Silver, spotted and long-whiskered; small fish may become prey.

Black spots cover a silver-grey body, with finer markings on the head. Long maxillary barbels reach back towards a deeply forked tail.

Adult length: Up to 11 cm
Water temperature: 22–25 °C
Lifespan: 8–12 years
pH: 5.8–6.8
Hardness: 1–15 dGH

Natural habitat: Native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins.

Fin spines can catch in nets or puncture transport bags, so use a suitable container when moving it.

View comparison →

Appearance and identification

Angelicus cat is also used for the African Synodontis angelicus. Check the scientific name, silver spotted body and long barbels rather than buying by that label alone.

Floor and movement space

Leave open swimming space and shelters, and keep water clean and stable. Dim lighting helps; keep planting and hardscape clear of the main swimming route.

Aquarium environment

Keep lower-level routes open. Planting does not make it safe with tiny fish or shrimp.

Diet and feeding

Feed sinking complete foods and suitable frozen invertebrate foods in controlled portions; leftovers are not enough.

Same-species behaviour

Keep at least six, with sufficient swimming room, shelters and clean stable water.

Compatibility limits

It may swallow neon-sized fish.

Sources

www.fishbase.se ↗ 2026-10-25

www.seriouslyfish.com ↗ 2026-10-22

www.scotcat.com ↗ 2026-10-22

api.gbif.org ↗ 2026-10-22