{"product_id":"spotted-pictus-catfish","title":"Spotted Pictus Catfish – Pimelodus pictus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Spotted Pictus Catfish (Pimelodus pictus) is a sleek, fast-moving freshwater catfish known for its silver body, bold black spots, and long flowing barbels. This active species brings constant motion and personality to larger community aquariums, especially during evening hours and feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpotted Pictus Catfish are social fish that do best when kept in groups, where they display more confident and natural behavior. They prefer aquariums with open swimming space, strong filtration, and hiding areas such as driftwood, caves, and rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver body covered in bold black spots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong flowing barbels and sleek body shape\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHighly active freshwater catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBest kept in groups of 3 or more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat for larger community aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActive during evening hours and feeding time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pimelodus pictus\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spotted Pictus Catfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e Peaceful with similarly sized fish, but predatory toward very small tankmates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Approximately 4–5 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55 gallons or larger recommended\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGroup Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best kept in groups of 3 or more\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Level:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottom to mid-water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Temperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 72–80°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivore \/ omnivore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy Choose Spotted Pictus Catfish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpotted Pictus Catfish are excellent choices for aquarists who want an active, eye-catching bottom dweller for a larger freshwater aquarium. Their spotted pattern, long barbels, and energetic swimming make them stand out from many slower catfish species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile generally peaceful, they are opportunistic feeders and may eat very small fish. Tankmates should be medium-sized, peaceful, and too large to be viewed as food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIdeal Tank Setup\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide a spacious aquarium with open swimming areas, strong filtration, and stable water quality. Spotted Pictus Catfish are active swimmers and appreciate room to move, especially when kept in groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd driftwood, caves, rockwork, and shaded areas to give them places to rest during the day. A secure lid is recommended, as active catfish can startle and jump.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCompatible Tankmates\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedium-sized peaceful community fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger tetras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSilver Dollars\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeverums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful cichlids of suitable size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOther active fish too large to be eaten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTankmates to Avoid\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVery small fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSlow or delicate fish that may be stressed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAggressive cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFin-nipping tankmates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOvercrowded bottom-dweller setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDiet \u0026amp; Feeding\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpotted Pictus Catfish are active feeders that accept a variety of sinking and meaty foods. Offer sinking pellets, carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other appropriately sized frozen or prepared foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause they are fast and active, make sure food reaches the bottom and that all fish in the group are getting enough to eat. Evening feeding can be helpful since they are often more active in lower light.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep in groups of 3 or more when possible\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvide a 55-gallon or larger aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUse strong filtration and maintain clean water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOffer caves, driftwood, and shaded resting areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvoid tankmates small enough to be eaten\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeed sinking foods and meaty frozen foods for variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Spotted Pictus Catfish community safe?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, they can be kept in community aquariums with similarly sized peaceful fish. They may eat very small tankmates, so avoid tiny fish and small shrimp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Spotted Pictus Catfish need to be kept in groups?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. They are social catfish and usually do best in groups of 3 or more, which helps reduce stress and encourages natural behavior.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre Spotted Pictus Catfish aggressive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey are not usually aggressive, but they are fast, active, and opportunistic feeders. Very small fish may be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo Spotted Pictus Catfish hide a lot?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey may rest or hide during the day, but they often become very active in the evening and during feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow big do Spotted Pictus Catfish get?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThey typically reach approximately 4–5 inches as adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size tank do Spotted Pictus Catfish need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA 55-gallon aquarium or larger is recommended, especially when keeping a proper group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre these fish available for shipping?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAvailable at Tropical Treasures Wyo\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpotted Pictus Catfish are active freshwater catfish for larger community aquariums, natural setups, and hobbyists who want a fast-moving spotted bottom dweller. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop freshwater fish, catfish, aquarium food, filtration supplies, driftwood, caves, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53009045586133,"sku":null,"price":17.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0670\/4545\/8133\/files\/Pictus-Catfish.jpg?v=1771517923","url":"https:\/\/tropicaltreasureswyo.com\/products\/spotted-pictus-catfish","provider":"Tropical Treasures Wyo LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}