Pictus catfish

The pictus catfish is an active, silvery, black-spotted pimelodid from the Amazon and Orinoco basins, prized for its long, flowing barbels and constant swimming. Naturally found in flowing rivers and streams over sand and gravel, it is a social species best kept in groups of four or more in a spacious tank with open swimming space, smooth substrate, and shaded retreats. It is peaceful toward similarly sized fish but is an opportunistic predator that will eat small tankmates such as neon tetras. Its sharp, serrated pectoral spines can snag on nets, so handle it with care. Provide well-oxygenated, moderately soft, slightly acidic to neutral water at 22-26C with good filtration and current. An omnivore, it accepts sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, mysis, and other meaty foods, scavenging the bottom mostly after dusk.